Devils Dyke is an area of natural beauty in the South Downs, that is very accessible from Brighton. It gets it’s name from an old legend, that proposes the dyke was created by the devil out of anger against the people living in the area. The devil supposedly created this 100m deep, V-shaped valley, so that the sea would flow into the villages and drown the people there. It’s at least true that the dyke was created from tremendous amounts of water flowing through the chalky part of the land. This event dates back almost 4000 years, when the South Downs was capped with snowy peaks.
You can get to Devils Dyke on weekends, by getting the number 77 bus from the palace pier stop. You should note that this bus does not run during the week, outside of the summer season. So if it is not summer, you will not be able to access Devils Dyke by bus during the week. At the weekend however, you can catch the 77 which will take you right to the sight seeing location. From which you can walk around and enjoy the area of natural beauty.
Devil’s Dyke is a chalkland dry combe and the largest in Britain. For this reason it is a home for many plants and butterflies that are specific to this kind of terrain. When walking see if you can spot any of these particular species and do be careful not to disrupt the natural habitat of the creatures and foliage. There is a stone seat located at the top of the dyke, presenting epic views over the hill and down to the sea, as well as north across the landscape of the downs. Take a break from the city and soak in a huge expanse of natural environment. Assuming it isn’t pouring down with rain, you won’t regret it!