Kingley Vale walk on 23rd February 2022

After collecting together in the car park in West Stoke, Bernard led us north to Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, famed for containing one of Europe's most impressive yew forests with some trees amongst the oldest living organisms in the country. When we reached the Nature Reserve we headed uphill and eventually reached the top. It was a fine morning with views of the sea and with Chichester Cathedral in the distance. Closer to hand were some very large Late Neolithic/ Early Bronze Age burial mounds called the Devil's Humps - the area also has a number of ancient cross dykes, although we failed to spot them. After a drink stop we returned down to our entry point to Kingley Vale and elected to make a detour to see the oldest yews in the forest. These mighty trees are probably over 2,000 years old, some showing signs of shrapnel damage from WW2 when the area was used as a firing range. After some searching we did find the tree known as the Grandfather Tree, with its spreading and drooping branches giving birth to a collection of directly related trees.  A very interesting walk in good conditions, with rain only coming when we were on the way to the pub, the Fox and Hounds in Funtingdon, where we were very well looked after.

Mustering in West Stoke car park

Sitting in the sun, hoping not to be disturbed

After a few minutes climbing uphill, some people needed to disrobe

Great views from the top of the hill

Nicer views from the top of the Devil's Humps

Top of Bow Hill

Dog in a hurry?

Just in case you were misled into thinking  this was the Tansley Stone, it isn't. The Tansley Stone is about 300 yards SE.

Hon. Leaders.

Drinks time

Views all round

Trig point spotters celebrated once again.

After all the up, there's usually a down!

"Now we've reached the bottom, shall we go and find some trees?"

Aha at last - the grandfather tree.

Fox and Hounds, Funtingdon

Just under  5 miles

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• Hill Brow Walk on 2nd March 2022 →