Kingley Vale Yews and the Devil’s Humps
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This walk visits Kingley Vale, home to the largest group of ancient yew trees in Britain. It’s one of the finest remaining yew forests in Western Europe. The woodland is full of twisted and ancient trees, including a grove of veteran yews that are estimated to be amongst the oldest living things in Britain. The very oldest trees have girths of over 5 metres and are estimated to be between 600 and 900 years old.
Many ancient yew trees across Europe were felled after the 14th century, being the preferred material for the staves of English longbows. With the longbow increasing in popularity, in 1472 the government introduced a tax of four "bowestaffs" for every cask of wine unloaded at an English harbour. This sparked a wave of deforestation of ancient yews across Europe. Somehow Kingley Vale survived and is one of the few major stands remaining, most yews elsewhere are solitary trees or small copses.
The route (see OS Maps) starts at Bosham Railway Station and we’ll head north, through the village of East Ashling and on to Kingley Vale. Some time will be allowed for everyone to explore the woodland on their own, take photos and absorb the unique atmosphere. We’ll then reconvene and continue up the valley, with a steep ascent up Bow Hill.
At the top of the climb, we’ll reach the Tansley Stone, a monument to the 20th century ecologist Sir Arthur Tansley. He lobbied for decades to get Kingley Vale protected in some way and he was instrumental in getting it designated as one of the country’s first National Nature Reserves in 1952. The panorama over the valley is one of the most breathtaking views in the whole of Sussex.
Just to the west of the Tansley Stone, we’ll reach the The Devil’s Humps, a group of four Bronze Age burial mounds, comprised of two bell barrows and two bowl barrows. They’re considered to be among the most impressive and well preserved barrows on the South Downs. Barrows of this size and prominence in the landscape may have been reserved for people of high status such as chiefs and priests.
After taking a break for lunch, we’ll make a gradual descent. We can stop for a drink either in the Fox & Hounds in Funtington, or The Richmond Arms in West Ashling. At the end of the walk we’ll return to Bosham Railway Station.
Photos and grid references of the most notable of the Kingley Vale yews are available here: https://www.ancient-yew.org/userfiles/file/Kingley%20Vale%20Survey.pdf
Don't waste that space!
Spring and Summer walks mean lots of new and existing members excited to be getting out more. Please only book if you know you can make it. Should your plans change please free up the space immediately for someone else who could attend.
Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs are welcome to join us on this event, but we do ask the following:
- Please appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover - especially when we stop to eat
- Remember we will encounter livestock and horses, and land owners and authorities have clearly signposted their expectation of the integrity and assurity they require of any dog owner, and their dog whilst on their farm land.
- Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Countryside walking with your dog)
- If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour.
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, then feel free to message me or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits:
- Banner and first photo © Charlotte King, used by kind permission
- Photos 2 to 8 cc-by-sa/3.0 © Simon Burchell from West Sussex
- Photo 9 CC0 DimiTalen from Looking_down_Kingley_Vale
- Photo 10 cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Cunliffe - geograph.org.uk/p/2342533
- Photo 11 cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Thomas-Atkin - geograph.org.uk/p/6962273
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
Anyone new to walking may wish to draw from the following as required:
- Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
- Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful.
- Avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs.
- A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
- Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
- A comfortable backpack of 20 to 30-litre capacity, allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
- Walking sticks are optional and may assist when climbing or descending, or on uneven ground.
- Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for any on-going ailments or conditions, such as hay-fever or diabetes.
Food & drink
Bring plenty of water and/or any preferred drinks (e.g. a thermos of tea/coffee), food and snacks to keep you going during the day.
Bring a packed lunch to eat about half way through the walk.