Kingley Vale - the oldest yews in England?

Submitted by Timwoods on 08 July 2008

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A circular, half-day countryside walk in England starting at Mid Lavant, West Sussex, about 10km (roughly 6 miles) long and . This walk in West Sussex passes through Kingley Vale, a site famous for its yew trees - claimed to be the oldest in the country, and one of the largest surviving yew forests in the world. It's a beautiful place, easily reached from the town of Chichester, and there are also great views of the South Downs from Bow Hill on the way round. Start: Mid Lavant, OS Grid: SU857086 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 320m (1051ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 498m (1634ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 177m (583ft)

Max. Elevation: 210m (688ft)

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OS Explorer Map:

120 - Chichester
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Show Waypoint Details

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Waypoints

1. Mid Lavant

OS Grid: SU857086

The walk starts in Mid Lavant, easily reached by bus from Chichester. Alternatively, walk from Chichester along the Centurion Way, a traffic free cycle route that runs along a disused railway. From the village, head along a quiet road towards West Stoke via Trumley.

2. West Stoke

About 3 km (roughly 2 miles) from 1 OS Grid: SU825087

In West Stoke, take the footpath heading north past the car park. This takes you directly to Kingley Vale.

3. Kingley Vale

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 2 OS Grid: SU824099

The path leads into the mysterious woodland of Kingley Vale, owned by English Nature. They also run a visitor centre with more information about Kingley Vale: http://www.english-nature.org.uk/special/nnr/nnr_details.asp?NNR_ID=93

4. Bow Hill

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 3 OS Grid: SU825112

Follow the path through Kingley Vale onto Bow Hill, with great views of the surrounding hills.

5. Stoughton

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 4 OS Grid: SU801113

From Bow Hill, head north until the path meets the Monarch's Way. Here, head west towards the village of Stoughton. Stop at the Hare and Hounds for a pint if time allows (it usually does!)

6. Back to West Stoke

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 5 OS Grid: SU812104

From Stoughton, take the bridleway heading southeast back to West Stoke. Continue on from here back to Mid Lavant by the same route, or if you are coming by train, you can take the West Stoke road straight into Chichester. It can get busy, but there is space to safely walk on the roadside verge.