Devil's Dyke Guide - Views, Walks, Trails & Legends | Trist & Kez

Devils Dyke, Sussex England

A Complete Guide

Devils Dyke in the South of England is an old favourite of ours. As a local, I’ve been coming here for years. From being a kid to an adult. At 214m you get some awesome views up there. Popular with walks, cyclists, mountain bikers to sunset seekers and paragliders. It’s a great place to visit if you’re in the area.


Check out our guide to what you need to know when you plan your trip and travel here.

How to get to Devil's Dyke

There’s a few ways you can get to Devil's Dyke, whether that’s driving by car, public transport or on foot or by bike.


Car: The main routes to Devils Dyke are from Brighton area, A23 or A27. Here’s the postcode for the Devils Dyke Car Park BN1 8YJ and the Google Maps link to the first car park


Public Transport

Train: You can get a train to one of the stations in and around Brighton and either get a taxi or bus to Devils Dyke. This is dependent on where you travel from but some of the closest train stations are Preston Park and Brighton Station.


Bus: There are several bus stops on the way up to Devils Dyke itself. There’s a bus service that runs from Brighton which is the 77 to Devil’s Dyke. The price is £5, this is the special Breeze up to the Downs return ticket. This is perfect for explorers. Did you know that you can travel to 3 destinations with this one ticket?


For example, you could take the 79 to Ditchling Beacon, then walk the 6 miles along to Devil’s Dyke and return on the 77. Or you could get the 79 to Ditchling Beacon, walk 2 miles to Stanmer Park and then return on the 78. 


There are a whole bunch of other deals if you’re coming by train, so be sure to check out the
Brighton & Hove City Council website for more. If you’re travelling with your bike, there’s a 2-bike maximum on each bus. Check the website for more details.


Top

Devil's Dyke Brighton Parking 

There are several car parks to choose from. Some are free and some are paid for so make sure you check when parking as things can change. Also, keep an eye out when you’re driving along Devils Dyke Road as there are several car parks that aren’t all on Google Maps. 


Devil’s Dyke Picnic Area

Not the nearest to ‘Devils Dyke’. It’s a 37-minute walk to the valley from here. But a great spot to stop and take in the vistas.


Devil's Dyke - Summer Down

Another free car park that you can park on the side of the valley. Then walk onto the South Downs way. Not the biggest of car parks, so don’t be surprised if it’s full on a sunny weekend.


Devil's Dyke Car Park 

This is the main car park at Devils Dyke. When you get here you’ll notice there’s more than one car park around the pub that’s there. At the pub, you can get your parking back if you spend £10 or more on food. 


Top

Can you park overnight at Devil's Dyke?

It’s been a popular area to park overnight with a campervan or motorhome. Now it’s not possible to park there overnight as it’s National Trust operated and you’ll get the knock!


Top

Devil's Dyke Entrance Fee

Devil's Dyke is free and there’s no entrance fee. Get yourself up there and take in the views. You won’t regret it.

Top

Devil's Dyke Brighton Opening Times

It’s open 24/7. You can go up there for a sunrise or sunset.


Top

Devil's Dyke Brighton History

Devils Dyke Valley is the UK's deepest, longest & widest 'dry valley'. The legend says the Devil dug the chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald.


The story goes that Devil's Dyke got its name from a legend. It says the devil was furious that the people of the Weald were talking about Christianity. He dug a dyke through the South Downs and the sea flowed and drowned their villages.


Top

How did the Devil's Dyke form?

The V-shaped dry valley was born from solifluction and river erosion. Over 14,000 years ago, an icy era gripped the land, as snow-capped South Downs met perpetually frozen chalk. 

Top

Devil's Dyke Cable Car

Opening on 13th October 1894, William Brewer designed and built a 230 feet high cable railway over the Dyke. It used 1,200 feet of cable and was suspended with cast metal supports over the valley floor. It carried its last passengers in 1909.

Top

Devil's Dyke Brighton Walk

There’s several ways you could get to Devil's Dyke by walking. If you’re coming from Brighton you can walk along Dyke Road Avenue. Then round the two roundabouts and make your way along to the footpaths. Check out Google Maps and AllTrails for help. 


Top

Devil's Dyke Circular Walk

There’s a great circular walk you can take. Start from the car park next to the pub and follow the footpath towards and down the valley. Then at the bottom follow the footpath off to the left and you’ll head up some steps. Follow these and the footpath back to the car park. Checkout the map below for the route. It’s a great pub walk as you can start and end there.


Top

Devil's Dyke Pub

Perfectly placed there’s a pub at the top of Devil's Dyke. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing drink, coffee or full-blown Sunday roast, you’ll find yourself at home here. Dogs are allowed too. There’s also indoor and outdoor seating. Why not catch a sunset there?



Top

Devil's Dyke Pub Opening Times

The Opening hours for the pub are below, thank me later!


  • Monday 11:30 am–9:30 pm 
  • Tuesday 11:30 am–9:30 pm 
  • Wednesday 11:30 am–9:30 pm
  • Thursday 11:30 am–9:30 pm 
  • Friday 11:30 am–9:30 pm 
  • Saturday 9 am–9:30 pm 
  • Sunday 9 am–9:30 pm


Top

Are there toilets at Devil's Dyke?

There used to be public toilets around the back of the pub. These have shut now. The only other toilets available are inside the pub.


Top

FAQ

  • Where is Devils Dyke

    It’s on the South Downs in the county of East Sussex England.

  • What is the steep grade railway at Devils Dyke?

    A funicular which was built in 1897 by JH Hubbard the owner of the Dyke Hotel.

  • Why is Devil's Dyke famous?

    It’s famous because of its legend and association with the devil. It’s also the longest, deepest & widest 'dry valley' in the whole of the UK. Plus a great location to visit.

  • What is the myth of the Devil's Dyke?

    This myth and legend is linked to the Devil. It’s said he made the Dyke to smite the people of the Weald.

  • What is the deepest valley in the UK?

    At nearly a mile long and 100 meters deep the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest & widest 'dry valley' in the whole of the UK.

  • What is the largest valley in the UK?

    It’s Devils Dyke in Sussex England on the South Downs.

  • On which UK long distance trail will you find Devils Dyke?

    The South Downs way is where you’ll find Devils Dyke. A beautiful picturesque place to visit. You can walk along for miles and take in the views and wildlife.

  • Is it free to park at Devils Dyke?

    If you want to park in the main car park(s) near the pub then it’s £3 or free with National Trust Membership.

  • How much does it cost to park at Devils Dyke?

    £3 or free with National Trust Membership.

Share

Guides

Check out our blogs and guide for the best trip to Wales

Checkout our YouTube Vlogs

Follow Us On YouTube 👉🏼

Follow us on Instagram

Follow
Share by: