Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke Group Walks | Join a Walk

216m Elevation
67m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

200-299m Tump

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Elevation

216m

710 ft

Prominence

67m

Coordinates

50.8834, -0.2139

TQ257108

OS Map

198

Explorer: OL11 122

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a prominent chalk escarpment and boasts a large trig point offering fantastic panoramic views.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and chalky with some rocky outcrops in places.

The South Downs, including Devil's Dyke, is primarily chalk, resulting in a unique ecosystem and stunning landscapes. The areas of exposed chalk reveal fossils and layers that tell tales of ancient seas.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the rolling hills of the South Downs, Brighton's coastline, and on a clear day, even the Isle of Wight.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Devil's Dyke' comes from a Victorian tale linking it to the devil; locals believed it to be a place where the devil dug a trench.

Historical Significance

The area is steeped in folklore and has long been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, rich in both history and natural beauty.

Popular Routes

Devil's Dyke Circular Walk

Moderate

This popular circular walk starts from the Devil's Dyke car park. The route takes you along the ridge, offering stunning views of the Weald and the South Downs. You’ll descend into Saddlescombe Valley, passing by the historic Saddlescombe Farm, before climbing back up to the dyke itself.

8 km 3 hours

Devil's Dyke to Fulking Escarpment

Easy

A scenic out-and-back walk that begins at Devil's Dyke and follows the South Downs Way to Fulking Escarpment. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sussex countryside and the coastline before turning around to retrace your steps.

6 km 2 hours

Devil's Dyke and Poynings Loop

Moderate

This route takes you from Devil's Dyke down into the charming village of Poynings. From here, you’ll pass the historic Holy Trinity Church and loop back up to the dyke via lush fields and woodland paths.

7 km 2.5 hours

Devil's Dyke to Edburton Hill

Challenging

A longer, linear walk that starts at Devil's Dyke and follows the South Downs Way to Edburton Hill. The route provides breathtaking views of the rolling hills and the chance to explore ancient hillfort sites along the way.

10 km 4 hours

Devil's Dyke and Newtimber Hill Circular

Moderate

A varied loop that begins at Devil's Dyke and crosses over to Newtimber Hill. This walk combines open chalk grassland with woodland trails, offering diverse scenery and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities.

9 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Devil's Dyke Car Park (TQ 227 111) offers ample space and serves as a great starting point for walks.

Public Transport

Regular buses from Brighton or Hove can drop you off at the Devil's Dyke.

Nearby Facilities

There’s a small café at the car park, along with public toilets available for visitors.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep drops along the edges may pose risks. Be cautious, especially in poor weather conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Devil's Dyke?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Devil's Dyke through the maps

Are there other walkers around Devil's Dyke?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Devil's Dyke search or of course create your own walk for Devil's Dyke

Can I organise a walk to Devil's Dyke?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Devil's Dyke.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Devil's Dyke?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Devil's Dyke here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible