Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke, a National Trust site in the South Downs, is a great day trip from Brighton Caravan Club site. It is located about 12 miles from Brighton and is easily accessible by car, motorhome or bus. The number 77 bus runs throughout the year from the end of the pier and takes about half an hour, heading out of the built up city streets into the rolling countryside. You could do as we did and begin with the two mile warm up walk from the site to the pier...or run, if you're running a little late for the bus!

I imagine Devil's Dyke is swarming with visitors at the weekend and in the summer months, but we went on a cold winter's day. Apart from a few fellow walkers and dog walkers we were able to explore the area freely. Arriving in the morning meant the valley was covered in frost and the temperatures were noticeably colder than in the sun-soaked higher parts of the hills. We spent a few hours walking through and around Devil's Dyke before finishing with a warm drink at the pub / restaurant.

The dyke is an impressive valley with steep sides, carved out by Ice Age glaciers. The landscape is dramatic and ideal to explore by foot. There are many possible walks in the area, taking in nearby villages and breathtaking views of the South Downs.

We were expecting to head back on the 3.25 back to Brighton. but misread the timetable; there is no 3.25 bus during term time! So, rather than attempt to walk the 12 miles back in decreasing light, we decided to wait until the next bus arrived. It just meant another drink in the pub!