Devil's Dyke
Click Photo for Slideshow
The sinister sounding Devil's Dyke is a huge dry chalk valley and a historic beauty spot on the South Downs. To make it a fun day out on a sunny day, travel the 8km (5 mile) journey in an open topped double-decker bus which regularly runs to Devil's Dyke from Brighton Marina.
Devil's Dyke covers around 200 acres of downland scarp. It extends for 12km (7 miles) from Reach to Ditton Green and has a 6m high bank or earthworks which was probably built as a border defense in the 5th or 6th century to protect the kingdom known as Calchfynedd.
The area is a great amenity for cyclists, hikers, dog-walkers, horse riders, kite-flyers and those wanting to escape
from London or Brighton for a breath of fresh air, scenic views and an unspoilt green landscape.
The legend behind the name "Devil's Dyke" says that one night the devil dug the valley to allow the sea in to drown the god-fearing parishioners who lived on the Weald. Unfortunately his noisy digging awoke an old woman and he was driven off by a candle she lit which looked like sunrise.
Some say a lump of earth from his cloven hoof fell to earth and became the Isle of Wight. Others blame his heavy footsteps for creating the Devil's Punch Bowl nearby.
However, other more informed sources such as local geologists say that Britain's largest and deepest chalkland dry valley was carved out during the last ice age.
Devil's Dyke does have signs of more recent history. Britain's first cable car was built here in 1894. It was a great sightseeing attraction for Victorians eager to try anything new. The ride took them on a 300 metre ride across the valley, but at a time when airplanes had
yet to be invented, this airborne ride was probably quite a thrill. All that remains today are the concrete foundations which supported the towers.
By 1897 there was another exciting ride - a funicular railway. By 1897 almost a million people a year visited Devil's Dyke and the ride was very popular up and down to the village of Poynings. Look for the brick plinth which marked the site of the boarding platform, and follow the track lines down the hillside.
As visitors walk around the hill, evidence of even older history can be seen. The grassed-over ramparts and walls of an old hillfort can clearly be seen.
More natural scenery unfolds in the South Downs landscape, along the South Downs Way with gently rolling hills descending to the plain below. There are stunning views northwards to the Weald and south as far as the English Channel on a clear day.
The chalk grassland is home to some rare and unusual wildlife including colourful orchids and bright butterflies as well as being well-grazed by local sheep and cows.
Devil's Dyke covers around 200 acres of downland scarp. It extends for 12km (7 miles) from Reach to Ditton Green and has a 6m high bank or earthworks which was probably built as a border defense in the 5th or 6th century to protect the kingdom known as Calchfynedd.
The area is a great amenity for cyclists, hikers, dog-walkers, horse riders, kite-flyers and those wanting to escape
Click Photo for Slideshow
The legend behind the name "Devil's Dyke" says that one night the devil dug the valley to allow the sea in to drown the god-fearing parishioners who lived on the Weald. Unfortunately his noisy digging awoke an old woman and he was driven off by a candle she lit which looked like sunrise.
Some say a lump of earth from his cloven hoof fell to earth and became the Isle of Wight. Others blame his heavy footsteps for creating the Devil's Punch Bowl nearby.
However, other more informed sources such as local geologists say that Britain's largest and deepest chalkland dry valley was carved out during the last ice age.
Devil's Dyke does have signs of more recent history. Britain's first cable car was built here in 1894. It was a great sightseeing attraction for Victorians eager to try anything new. The ride took them on a 300 metre ride across the valley, but at a time when airplanes had
Click Photo for Slideshow
By 1897 there was another exciting ride - a funicular railway. By 1897 almost a million people a year visited Devil's Dyke and the ride was very popular up and down to the village of Poynings. Look for the brick plinth which marked the site of the boarding platform, and follow the track lines down the hillside.
As visitors walk around the hill, evidence of even older history can be seen. The grassed-over ramparts and walls of an old hillfort can clearly be seen.
More natural scenery unfolds in the South Downs landscape, along the South Downs Way with gently rolling hills descending to the plain below. There are stunning views northwards to the Weald and south as far as the English Channel on a clear day.
The chalk grassland is home to some rare and unusual wildlife including colourful orchids and bright butterflies as well as being well-grazed by local sheep and cows.
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Directions |
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Car-free travel highlight:
Every paying adult can take two children on the 77 bus from Brighton to Devil's Dyke for free! If you have a valid train ticket, you can travel 2-for-1 on the bus up to Devil's Dyke. By Foot: Devil's Dyke lies on the South Downs Way, a popular 100 mile long National Trail running from Winchester to Eastbourne. A variety of other footpaths lead to Devil's Dyke from all directions: Brighton 5 miles, local villages Fulking and Poynings both 1 mile. By Bike: The South Downs Way is suitable for off-road cycling, involving some rough ground, ascent and descent. The disused railway line cycle path runs from Hangleton near Hove to Devil's Dyke, it offers about 4 miles of family-friendly cycling on a paved path up gentle slopes, part of NCN route 20, Brighton to Crawley. There are a variety of other bridleways and cycle paths north and south of the area. By Bus: 77 bus service, travels up to Devil's Dyke from the centre of Brighton, passing the pier and . Weather permitting, it is an open-top bus on Sun and Bank Holidays. The bus runs everyday in summer, weekends and BHols in spring and autumn, Sun and Bank Holidays in winter (except Christmas Day). Each paying adult can take two children on the 77 bus free. A bus leaflet called 'Breeze up to the Dyke' is available. For more info, check Brighton and Hove Buses. A regular hourly bus service 17 runs between Brighton and Poynings, from where it is a pleasant 25 minute uphill walk to Devil's Dyke. By Train: Brighton - 6 miles. A train ticket gets you a '2-for-1' offer on adult single and return tickets on the service 77 bus to Devil's Dyke. Just show the bus driver your valid train ticket. By Road: Devil's Dyke car park is 2 miles north of A27 Brighton ring road, and just off A281. Car Parks: Summer Down Road OS: TQ269112, free parking Devil's Dyke OS: TQ258110, pay & display, £2 all day (NT members & Blue Badge holders free), suitable for coaches Ordnance Survey maps: Explorer 17 Landranger 198 |
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Devil's Dyke Postcode for SatNav: BN45 7DE
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Contact
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North of Brighton
on the South Downs BN45 7DE |
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Days Out near Devil's Dyke
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Newtimber Place (1 Mile)*
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Booth Museum of Natural History (4 Miles)*
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St. Mary's House and Gardens (5 Miles)*-154x115.jpg)
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Brighton Museum & Art Gallery (5 Miles)*
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The Royal Pavilion, Brighton (5 Miles)*
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Brighton Sea Life Centre (5 Miles)*-154x115.jpg)
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Brighton Pier (5 Miles)*
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Steyning Museum (6 Miles)*
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Worthing Museum and Art Gallery (9 Miles)*
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Hollygate Cactus Garden and Nursery (9 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Devil's Dyke
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Shoreham (5 Miles)*
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Brighton and Hove (5 Miles)*
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Bramber (5 Miles)*
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Steyning (6 Miles)*
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Lewes (8 Miles)*
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Worthing (9 Miles)*
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Barcombe Mills Station (10 Miles)*
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Shipley (10 Miles)*
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Goring-by-Sea (11 Miles)*
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Newhaven (12 Miles)*
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