How long does Kingley Vale take?

Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 4.3 km route, which has 50 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at West Stoke car park (grid reference SU 821 083). Free car park at West Stoke.

Can I get there by public transport?

Buses from Chichester to West Stoke are limited. Check times on Traveline.

It's graded easy. Woodland and chalk grassland paths.

Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.

West Stoke Easy

Kingley Vale

Circular Dog friendly

The oldest yew forest in Europe, and Bronze Age barrows on the down above it.

Distance: 4.3 km
Ascent: 50 m
Time: 1–1.5 h
Grade: Easy
Route: Circular
High point: 77 m

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Offline navigation is coming in the TRXO app. Hear when it launches.

Route mapped on 26 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 26 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Kingley Vale is an easy 4.3 km circular walk with 50 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at West Stoke car park (grid reference SU 821 083).

Kingley Vale holds a grove of yews up to 2,000 years old, their branches rooted where they touch the ground, in a hollow of the Downs north of Chichester. The trail climbs through the yews to the Devil's Humps, four Bronze Age barrows on the ridge with a view to Chichester Cathedral and the sea, and loops back through the reserve.

Woodland History Great views Kid friendly Dog friendly

Route

1
The yews and the barrows

Climb through the yew grove to the barrows on the ridge and loop back.

Summit

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 1 h 13 min
Back by: 10:13
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at West Stoke high point summit (77 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: West Stoke car park
Grid ref: SU 821 083
Parking: Free car park at West Stoke.
Transport: Buses from Chichester to West Stoke are limited. Check times on Traveline.

Directions to start

Terrain

Woodland and chalk grassland paths.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Land and access

In England you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Kingley Vale take?: Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 4.3 km route, which has 50 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at West Stoke car park (grid reference SU 821 083). Free car park at West Stoke.
Can I get there by public transport?: Buses from Chichester to West Stoke are limited. Check times on Traveline.
How hard is it?: It's graded easy. Woodland and chalk grassland paths.
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.

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