Steyning, South Downs
Fulking and the Devil's Dyke escarpment
A short, steep loop up the scarp of the South Downs from the Shepherd & Dog at Fulking, with big views across the Weald and a stream-side pub garden at the end.
Photo: Brian Gillman (cropped), CC BY 3.0
- Distance
- 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Time
- 1½–2 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Start
- The Shepherd & Dog, Fulking (start and finish)
Parking: The pub car park, for customers.
Fulking sits right at the foot of the Downs, a few miles east of Steyning and directly below Devil's Dyke. This National Trust route climbs from the village onto the open downland and loops back down, so you get the views without committing to a full day.
It's short, but don't mistake it for a stroll: there are two short, steep climbs and the chalk paths get slippery after rain. Save it for a dry-ish day, or bring boots you don't mind ruining.
Terrain
- Short, steep ascents at the start and in the middle.
- Uneven chalk paths that can be very muddy in winter.
- Steps and at least one stile near the end, on the way back down to the pub.
With your dog
- Dogs are welcome on the route.
- Livestock graze the surrounding land: keep dogs on a lead where you meet them.
- There are no dog bins on the route, so take bags home.
- Check your dog can manage the stile, or be ready to lift them over.
The pub at the end
The Shepherd & Dog
The Shepherd & Dog welcomes dogs throughout, and a small stream runs through its garden.
See The Shepherd & Dog and more in SteyningFull route
For turn-by-turn directions and a map, use the published route from National Trust. Take a map or app with you as well.
Open the National Trust route