Stoughton, Bow Hill, Kingley Vale and Devil's Humps

Through Woods to an Extensive Nature Reserve on the South Downs

This is a walk through truly rural surroundings, beginning on the outskirts of the flinty village of Stoughton, tucked into a fold in the South Downs. The route climbs through fields and mixed woodland (beeches, yew, hazel, and conifers) crowning Bow Hill.

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Start Point

Stoughton

Grid Ref: SU 80477 11560

Total Distance

4.2 miles (6.7 km)

Total Climbing

170 metres

Estimated Time

2 hours

Difficulty Grade

Moderate

Trail Navigation Files:

💾 Download GPX Route Google Earth (KMZ) 📖 About Stoughton

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Essential paper map for exploring Chichester, South Harting and Selsey:

OL8 Chichester & South Harting →

The Walk Report

Near the summit of Bow Hill, you reach the Devil's Humps — four Bronze Age bell barrows approximately 3,500 years old. South of here lies the 500-acre Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, renowned for its diverse birdlife, butterflies, orchids, and an exceptional grove of ancient yew trees (some dating back 500 years or more).

Returning past Stoughton village, you pass St Mary's Church, a Saxon foundation with a chancel dating from 1050.

📄 Guide to Kingley Vale walk (PDF file)

Ancient Yew Tree in Kingley Vale Nature Reserve

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.

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Stoughton, Bow Hill, Kingley Vale and Devil's Humps

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk Report

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