As soon as you step out of the car park, the stunning panorama of lush rolling hills and patchy yellow and green fields unfolds in front of you. Situated just a few miles North of Brighton, Devil’s Dyke definitely is one of the must-sees in the area. So, put on your walkings shoes, pack a picnic lunch and head out into nature.
Getting there is easy. You can either jump on the 77 bus and get off at the final stop (simply called “Devil’s Dyke”) or take your car. Either way, you will end up at the car park right on top of Devil’s Dyke Road from where you can enjoy incredible views and explore the Dyke valley.
There are three different trails with varying difficulty levels you can follow. Leaving the upper part of the car park towards the lookout, you will see a little wooden post with three different-coloured arrows indicating the access point to the trails.
While the easy yellow-marked trail takes you on a little loop around the plateau the car park is situated on, offering you views of the Dyke valley and the surrounding area from above, the pink one is slightly more difficult and hilly with more or less the same views.
For the real Devil’s Dyke experience, we recommend you go on the purple-coloured trail which will take you on two big loops leading through cute little woods, open fields and the Dyke valley itself. But be warned, the trail is not for the light-hearted as the trail involves some steep hills, especially the way out of the Dyke Valley.
If you have enough breath left after climbing the long path leading out of the valley, you can add a little detour along the valley edge before going back to the car park and enjoying a refreshing drink at the pub. Alternatively, you can just sit down on the grass near the edge of the hilltop and soak in the stunning panorama while you reward your efforts with your picnic lunch.
Things you definitely mustn’t forget when going up to Devil’s Dyke: sensible shoes (not necessarily hiking shoes but at least a pair of comfortable trainers), your camera to take pictures along the way, picnic lunch (or at least a snack to lift your spirits on the way), £3 for the parking ticket. Also, remember this is a National Trust site, so please take all your rubbish with you.
Not for the light-hearted. Take a deep breath before climbing the hill that will take you out of the valley. You will need it.
Make sure you wear sensible shoes. Some parts of the trails are uneven and steep.
Simply sit down and enjoy the views. Is there a better place for a picnic?
The views over the Dyke valley are really worth the effort.
The bus will take you right up to the car park near the Devil’s Dyle pub from where you can explore the area.
