The Devils Dyke is one of the best preserved Anglo-Saxon earthworks in England. Thought to have been built by the Saxons in the 6th and 7th centuries AD to keep those Britons at bay, the bank and ditch stretches for 7.5 miles between Reach and Wood Ditton. The chalk grassland environment is home to several unusual flowers - the Pasque Flower in April/May, the Lizard Orchid in late June/early July and Bellflowers throughout July and August. This walk includes a 2 kilometre stretch along the top of the dyke, or beside the ditch for less adventurous souls. 

The route follows a figure of eight, covers 7 kilometres in all, takes less than two hours to complete and if you wish to include a picnic there are several fallen trees on which to perch.

Park on the road outside the church. If there was a county wide competition for the village with the most hidden church Stetchworth would win hands down, so you may need some help. Drive down the high street and turn up the cul-de-sac by the village sign and war memorial. At the end of this road, Church road, which surprisingly leads to the church, turn round (there is an unofficial turning point) and park on the left facing the high street. Walk towards the high street and take the footpath on the left. This looks like, and is, a private drive but the right of way takes you through a gate in front of the house and along a track beyond. At the end of the trees you will reach a crossroads of footpaths and should turn left. Continue down the side of the field and you will see the Dyke stretching to the right and left in front. Cross the bank, there is a dip in the profile, veer slightly right and follow a between-fields path ahead. Climb some steps and turn right along a granite chipped track. This swings to the left after a while but you should continue ahead beside a small wood and through a metal gate. Waymarks will be found at regular intervals and you will find yourself skirting a horsey type smallholding, joining the main drive and climbing uphill to the water tower. On reaching the road turn right and after eighty paces turn right again, between gardens (as directed by a fingerpost) and then veer left to cross a small field. At the far side you are at the start of the Dyke and have to make a big decision. You can duck through the gap in the hedge and take a flat, short and reasonably safe meander through trees before reaching the open fields again. You then turn right and follow the headland back to the place that you crossed the dyke some 45 minutes ago. OR you can be more adventurous and take the top of the bank option to the right, behind the information board. This is best avoided in wet weather but is great fun if dry underfoot. The path does undulate somewhat and there are steps and small wooden bridges at intervals but the main hazards are roots and branches. Remain alert and no harm will befall you. Either of these alternatives will bring you back to the dip in the bank and the crossing. From here there is no choice. Continue along the bank top, this section has been tidied so you face fewer challenges, until you reach the road.

Turn left along this minor road which does host the occasional speeding white van but the grass verge on the right is level and offers sanctuary. At the crossroads turn left and follow the pavement back into the centre where you will recognise the village sign and war memorial.                              
Last walked on 31st January 2007