Kingley Vale Walk Named Among England's Best by The Telegraph
A circular route through an ancient yew forest near Chichester has been recognised as one of the finest walks in the country.
Recognition for Sussex walking route
The Kingley Vale walk has been named one of the best walks in England by The Telegraph, which selected one outstanding route from each of England's 48 ceremonial counties.
The 5.5-mile circular route begins and ends in the village of Stoughton, north of Chichester. Walkers pass through Kingley Vale itself before returning through the beech woods of Greatdean Bottom.
Ancient woodland and rare species
The Telegraph described Kingley Vale as one of the UK's first designated National Nature Reserves and one of Europe's finest yew forests. Some of the fat, gnarled and twisted trees in the vale date back 2,000 years, making them possibly the country's oldest living things.
The reserve spans more than 500 acres and is managed by Natural England and the West Dean Estate. It holds a range of designations, including a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Grade I Nature Conservation Review site.
Wildlife and history
The vale is home to butterflies, orchids and a wide range of other wildlife. Visitors may spot green woodpeckers, red kites and buzzards. The reserve supports 11 species of orchid.
Beyond its natural heritage, Kingley Vale contains one of the most important concentrations of well-preserved archaeological sites in the south of England. These include Bronze Age burial mounds known as the Devil's Humps, an Iron Age settlement at Goosehill Camp, a Viking battlefield, strip lynchets and holloways.
Other notable Sussex walks
The Telegraph also named the Seven Sisters cliffs walk as the best in East Sussex. This 13.25-mile route runs from Seaford to Eastbourne along the cliff tops and through Cuckmere Valley, offering coastal views and the option to shorten the journey with various stops.
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