Situated on the South Downs, north of Brighton, the Devil’s Dyke is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
External funding for the Monday to Friday bus services Number 78 to Stanmer Park and 77 to Devil’s Dyke has come to an end. These services were withdrawn on Friday 22 April 2016.
Weekend services will continue and a mid week service will run from mid-June to early September.
Situated on the South Downs, north of Brighton, the Devil’s Dyke is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It makes for a wonderful afternoon out for all the family with breath-taking views, extensive walks and a pub restaurant.
There are a number of activities available on site from hang-gliding and model airplane flying!
Devil's Dyke is normally reached from Devil's Dyke road. It can also be accessed from various walking routes from local villages like Poynings, Fulking and Saddlescombe, and the South Downs.
View a map of the park's location.
The 77 bus runs open-top bus services to the Dyke during the summer and at weekends. Breeze up to the downs. Further information and timetables available from the Brighton & Hove Bus company.
There is very limited parking available at the Dyke.
Devil's Dyke is the largest chalkland dry combe in Britain and home to many associated plants and butterflies. From the stone seat there are dramatic views north over the weald and south over the city to the sea.
There are some good walking guides available:
Visit the National Trust web page for Devils Dyke to find out more.
Devil's Dyke got its name from a legend. The legend says the devil was furious at the conversion of the people of the Weald to Christianity and decided to dig a dyke through the South Downs, so the sea could flow in and drown their villages. To make sure his efforts were not discovered until it was too late, he decided to dig it over a single night. However his work woke an old woman, who lit a candle. This then woke her cockerel, who began to crow. Seeing the light and hearing the cockerel, the devil was fooled into thinking it was dawn, rushed off with his work uncompleted and the Weald was saved.
Graham Wallfare from the National Trust has a great Youtube video about the legend. Delve into the history and heritage of Devils Dyke, and watch the video on the legend of Devil's Dyke