Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve Walk
West Sussex
This dog friendly West Sussex walk starts at West Stoke and follows a half-mile farm track to the entrance of Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, before climbing through one of the largest and oldest yew forests in Europe, where some of the gnarled, hollow-trunked trees are thought to be over five hundred years old. The route comes out on the chalk top by the Bronze Age burial mounds known as the Devil's Humps, with huge views over the Solent and the South Downs, and loops back across open downland to West Stoke.
Dogs are welcome and the dense yew sections feel atmospheric and well shaded for warmer days, but the National Nature Reserve asks for dogs to be kept on a lead at all times to protect ground-nesting birds, fragile chalk grassland flora and the conservation grazing cattle that move across the top of the reserve. The terrain is gentle to moderate with one steady climb up out of the yews, mostly grass and chalk. Parking at West Stoke is free with donations welcomed.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Forest, Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No facilities at the car park or on the route; Earl of March pub at Lavant and shops at Chichester are the nearest dog friendly stops.
- Parking
- Free West Stoke car park (PO18 9BE) on Downs Road, donations welcomed; small and busy on weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are very welcome on this walk and it rates 9 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The dense yew forest sections are particularly good for warmer days, offering shade and a wonderfully atmospheric feel, and the terrain of grass and chalk is gentle to moderate and easy on paws.
Can dogs be off lead at Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve Walk?
Unfortunately not — the National Nature Reserve requires dogs to be kept on a lead at all times throughout the route. This is to protect ground-nesting birds, fragile chalk grassland flora, and the conservation grazing cattle that graze across the top of the reserve.
What should I know before visiting Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve Walk with my dog?
There are no facilities at the West Stoke car park or anywhere along the route, so bring water and snacks for both you and your dog. The car park is free (donations welcomed) but can get busy at weekends, and the nearest dog friendly stops for refreshments are the Earl of March pub at Lavant or shops in Chichester.
What’s Nearby?
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