Kingley ValeThe yew forest and the Devil’s Humps

The yews

Kingley Vale became one of the country’s first National Nature Reserves in 1952. Natural England describes it as one of the finest yew forests in western Europe. Its grove of veteran trees includes some more than 500 years old, and the largest measure over five metres round the trunk.

You will read that the yews are 2,000 years old, or the oldest living things in Britain. Natural England does not say so, and neither do we. They are very old and very large, and standing under one the exact number matters less.

The reserve also holds 14 scheduled ancient monuments and 39 of the 58 butterfly species that breed in England, so it is worth the walk in July as well as January.

The Devil’s Humps

On the ridge of Bow Hill, above the yews, are four Bronze Age round barrows known as the Devil’s Humps, or the Kings’ Graves. Some guides count more mounds, but four is the usual figure.

Bow Hill reaches 205 m, the highest point on any of the Octagon walks. The Monarch’s Way, the long path that follows Charles II’s flight in 1651, crosses the hill on its way from Stoughton to West Dean.

Two ways in

From the north, at Stoughton. This is the way we send guests. Octagon walk 4 starts in the village, 3.6 miles from the farm, and climbs to Bow Hill, the barrows and the yews: 4.1 miles with 168 m of climb, the hilliest of the short walks. There is a Forestry England car park near Stoughton, about 4.6 miles from the farm, and it is the quieter of the two. The Hare and Hounds is in the village for afterwards.

From the south, at West Stoke. The car park is about 5.5 miles from the farm. It is small, has a 2 m height limit and fills at weekends and in school holidays. Go early or go on a weekday.

Either way there are no toilets and no café. The paths are steep and uneven, and muddy in winter. Wear boots.

When to go

The reserve is open every day of the year and costs nothing. There is nothing to book. Autumn and winter give the best light under the trees, and on a weekday you may meet nobody.

Bluebells come out along the edge of the reserve from late April to mid May, earlier in a warm spring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times, whatever the season.

For the full description see Natural England’s page on the reserve.

From the farm

Drive to Stoughton in about ten minutes, allow two to two and a half hours for the loop, eat at the Hare and Hounds and be back at the farm by mid-afternoon. Book a table at weekends. Our pub guide has the details.

With a dog, Barley Cottage is the one to book: one dog is welcome for £50 a stay. In winter, Keepers and The Old Stables have wood burners to come back to. There are more routes on our walking holidays page.