# Kingley Vale: the yew forest and the Devil’s Humps > Kingley Vale is a National Nature Reserve about 5 miles from West Marden Farm, around 15 minutes by car to either car park. Natural England calls it one of the finest yew forests in western Europe, with veteran trees more than 500 years old, and four Bronze Age burial mounds called the Devil’s Humps stand on the ridge above. It is free, open all year, and dogs must be on a lead. - **From the farm:** About 5 miles, 15 minutes - **Open:** All year, free, no booking - **Dogs:** On a lead at all times - **Best for:** Old trees and a half-day walk ## 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](https://themarden.co.uk/local/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](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/west-sussexs-national-nature-reserves/west-sussexs-national-nature-reserves). ## 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](https://themarden.co.uk/local/pubs) has the details. With a dog, [Barley Cottage](https://themarden.co.uk/stay/barley-cottage) is the one to book: one dog is welcome for £50 a stay. In winter, [Keepers](https://themarden.co.uk/stay/keepers) and [The Old Stables](https://themarden.co.uk/stay/the-old-stables) have wood burners to come back to. There are more routes on our [walking holidays](https://themarden.co.uk/breaks/walking-holidays) page. ## Questions ### How far is Kingley Vale from West Marden? About 5 miles. The Forestry England car park near Stoughton is about 4.6 miles from West Marden Farm and the West Stoke car park about 5.5 miles. Each is around 15 minutes by car. ### Is Kingley Vale dog friendly? Yes, with a lead. Natural England asks for dogs to be on a lead at all times in the reserve. [Barley Cottage](https://themarden.co.uk/stay/barley-cottage) is the one that takes a dog. ### How old are the yew trees at Kingley Vale? Natural England says some of the veteran yews are more than 500 years old, and the largest are over five metres in girth. Claims of 2,000 years appear in magazines but are not confirmed by Natural England. ### Where do you park for Kingley Vale? There are two car parks. West Stoke, to the south, is small, has a 2 m height limit and fills at weekends and in school holidays. The Forestry England car park near Stoughton, to the north, is quieter. ### Are there toilets or a café at Kingley Vale? No. There are no toilets and no café on the reserve. The nearest pub from the north side is the Hare and Hounds in Stoughton. ### What are the Devil’s Humps? Four Bronze Age round barrows on the ridge of Bow Hill, above Kingley Vale. They are also called the Kings’ Graves. Octagon walk 4 from Stoughton passes them. ## Related - [Walks from the door: the Octagon Way and its eight short loops](https://themarden.co.uk/local/octagon-walks.md) - [Pubs near West Marden, nearest first](https://themarden.co.uk/local/pubs.md) - [The South Downs Way and other long paths near West Marden](https://themarden.co.uk/local/south-downs-way.md) - [The Mardens and their neighbours: Compton, Stoughton and Racton](https://themarden.co.uk/local/the-mardens.md) - [A self-catering walking holiday in the South Downs, on the Octagon Way](https://themarden.co.uk/breaks/walking-holidays.md) - [A dog-friendly place to stay in the South Downs, near Chichester](https://themarden.co.uk/breaks/dog-friendly-stays.md) ## Booking Book direct with The Marden at https://themarden.co.uk (no booking fees), or message us on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447822026091. West Marden Farm, West Marden, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 9EN. Page: https://themarden.co.uk/local/kingley-vale · Last updated 2026-11-14