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Moderate
15 miles, Circular

Details

Kingley Vale is a famous grove of ancient yew trees on the South Downs! 

The walk starts from Rowlands Castle Train Station. We walk through Stansted Forest to Walderton, where we begin our ascent up the South Downs to Kingley Vale. 

We'll stop for lunch at the Devils Humps (bronze age barrows), and then do a loop through Kingley Vale. We drop down into Stoughton, where there will be a pub stop, and continue back through Stansted Forest again, finishing up back where we started. 

There's parking at Rowland's Castle (£2 for the day) and regular train services. The station car park is quite small - there's more  (and free) at the Recreation Grounds if needed (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z4UdnbBNqfQMyazp8), or roads around.

This walk is free for Ramblers members. Non-members are welcome to try out 3 free walks prior to joining. See our FAQs.

Is this your first time? No need to be logged into our site to sign up for a walk - just use the 'Register here' button, and include any plus ones (the same goes if you're doing some taster walks).

  • If you're driving, we recommend you arrive at around 10:15 to allow for parking, putting boots on, and finding the group. If you're arriving by public transport, you should be ok as long as you've located the group before 10:30.
  • The map above shows the starting location. In most cases this has been set by the leader to show an accurate meeting location - see the text description as well.
  • The leader will have your details - you don't need to bring anything to confirm your space.
  • Newcomers are welcome to come on three 'trial' walks before deciding to join the Ramblers. You'll still be able to register for walks once your trial is over - we only ask that you look into joining the Ramblers once you've decided this is the group for you.
  • For most daytime walks please bring water and lunch.
  • Be prepared for rain (waterproofs), mud, or sun, appropriate for the forecast. Also wear appropriate footwear (generally walking boots, walking shoes or similar).
  • As this walk has a group size limit, if you find you can't come and the walk's on the full side, please cancel so that someone else can take your place. Some routes prove extremely popular and our leaders can only handle so many people.
  • Dogs are ok on most walks - keep them on a lead and be mindful of anyone who doesn't like dogs.
  • If you want to leave the walk part way through, make sure you tell the leader.
  • If you come to a walk without registering, please be aware that the leader will not have your contact details in the event of an emergency, and that you may not be covered by the Ramblers' liability insurance. You will be attending to some extent at your own risk.

Our walk gradings

  • E

    Easy

    Easy Walks are for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem. Comfortable walking shoes or trainers can be worn.

  • L

    Leisurely

    Leisurely Walks are for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience and generally include rural paths.

  • M

    Moderate

    Moderate Walks are for people with good country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and be at a brisk pace. Walking boots are recommended, plus layers appropriate to the weather and food/water.

  • S

    Strenuous

    Strenuous Walks are for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level and may include hills and rough country and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots are essential, as well as bringing suitable clothing for the weather as well as food and water. Those in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the walk leader in advance. Note that there may be just one element of a walk which elevates it to strenuous - see walk descriptions.


About our walks

Non-members are welcome to join us for 3 "trial" walks before deciding to join us. Please register in advance so that we know who's coming.

All our walks are graded to give you an idea of what each one will be like. If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short, easy walk first. It's better to find a walk too easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.

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