Devil’s Dyke

Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke sits in the South Downs National Park, about five miles north of Brighton, and is the longest, deepest and widest dry valley in Britain. There is no trail centre here: riding is bridleway and byway based, taking in natural chalk singletrack, fast ridge descents and gentler tops-of-the-downs options, plus a stretch of the South Downs Way itself, which doubles as a proper gravel route east and west along the ridge. Expect big views across the Weald and the coast, chalk and clay underfoot, and plenty of company from walkers and paragliders on a fine day.

The Trails

• Riding here is bridleway-based rather than trail-centre: natural chalk singletrack with technical sections, fast ridge descents and gentler tops-of-the-downs options suitable for most abilities. None of it is graded or waymarked, so download a route or use GPS navigation before you set off.
• The South Downs Way National Trail runs straight through the site, giving off-road riding with rough ground and sustained ascent and descent in both directions.
• Family riders and less experienced mountain bikers can reach the area via the disused railway line cycle path from Hangleton near Hove, a tarmac path of around four miles on a gentle gradient, forming part of National Cycle Network Route 20 (Brighton to Crawley).
• More adventurous riders can drop off the ridge and link through to the villages of Poynings and Fulking in the Weald below.
• Surface is chalk and clay throughout. It can get greasy after wet weather, so ride with control and avoid skidding, particularly on the steeper descents.

Gravel Riding

The South Downs Way running through Devil's Dyke is one of the most established gravel routes in the south of England: a byway and bridleway trail rideable on a gravel or cyclocross bike for its full 100 mile length between Winchester and Eastbourne. From the Devil's Dyke car park it runs west toward Truleigh Hill and Steyning and east toward Ditchling Beacon, giving riders a straightforward way to extend a visit into a longer mixed-surface day out. The South Downs National Park Authority publishes its own mountain bike guide covering the whole route.

Rules and Access

• Cycling is permitted on bridleways, restricted byways and byways only. Footpaths across the site are not legal for cycling.
• The valley and surrounding downland form part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Stay on legal routes and do not ride across the open chalk grassland.
• The site sits within an Iron Age hillfort. Avoid riding over or around the earthwork features close to the trail.
• Give way to walkers and horse riders on all shared paths. Signal your approach with a call or bell and pass slowly and considerately. Devil's Dyke is a busy walking destination, particularly at weekends.

Getting Here

• By car: Devil's Dyke car park, Devil's Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 8YL, two miles north of the A27 Brighton ring road, just off the A281. Pay and display, also bookable via the JustPark app. National Trust members and Blue Badge holders park free.
• Free, limited parking is also available nearby at Summer Down Road.
• By bus: the number 77 Breeze bus runs from central Brighton, including the pier and train station, to Devil's Dyke. It runs daily in summer, weekends and Bank Holidays in spring and autumn, and Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays in winter.
• By train: Brighton station is six miles away. Rail ticket holders qualify for a discount on the 77 bus.
• At the top: the Devil's Dyke pub (Vintage Inns, not National Trust run) sits right at the car park and is dog-friendly.

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