Walks in the South Downs National Park. Kev Reynolds

windproof clothing.

      The escarpment near Devil’s Dyke (Walk 16) makes a popular launch site for paragliders

      Carry a few plasters in case of blisters or the odd scratch; take a flask of liquid refreshment, and something to nibble should energy wane. An Ordnance Survey map will be needed in the unlikely event of your getting lost. It will also present you with a broader picture of the countryside through which your walk leads than may be gained from the OS extracts included within these pages. Details of the specific map sheets required are provided at the head of each walk described. I’ve also noted the availability of refreshments, where they occur. Most of these are to be found at country pubs, although I stress that I have no personal experience of the majority of those mentioned, so no endorsement is intended (I’d sooner chew on an apple while enjoying an open view than sit in a pub!). There has also been a spate of pub closures in recent years, so be warned that you may find the one you’d planned to visit is no longer open. If this is the case, a note to me via the publisher (address given at the front of the book) would be welcome, and I’ll ensure a correction is made in the next edition of this guide.

      Amberley (Walk 24) is one of the most attractive villages at the foot of the South Downs

      Should you plan to stop at a pub or café during your walk, please be considerate if your footwear is muddy and either leave your boots in the porch, or cover them with plastic bags.

      It is assumed that anyone out for a walk in the countryside will have a love for that countryside, and treat it with respect. Sadly, evidence contradicts that assumption, for litter is still found where only walkers go. So I make a plea that all who go walking in the South Downs National Park will be careful not to leave litter, and help make the Downs even more attractive for all by removing any you find. A plastic bag is useful for carrying rubbish away – keep one in your rucksack for this purpose.

      It has taken millions of years of evolution to create the South Downs. It has taken thousands of years for Man to mould it into the living landscape we cherish today, and more than 60 years to establish it as a National Park. Let each of us treat it with the love and respect it deserves.

Using the Guide

      Maps

      This guide contains sections of the Ordnance Survey map relevant to each walk described, and are taken from the 1:50,000 series which it is hoped will be sufficient at 1¼ inches to the mile (2cm = 1km) to provide an overview and a general outline of the route to be walked. However, for greater detail and a wider perspective the Explorer series drawn at a scale of 1:25,000 (2½ inches to 1 mile; or 4cm = 1km) is recommended, with the individual sheet information given at the head of each walk description. Most of these Explorer sheets cover several walks.

      Grid references are frequently quoted to enable you to locate a given position on the map. Each OS sheet is divided by a series of vertical and horizontal lines to create a grid. These lines are individually numbered, and these numbers are quoted at the top, bottom, and sides of each sheet. Numbers increase from left to right for vertical lines (known as ‘eastings’), and from top to bottom for horizontal lines (‘northings’).

      Each grid forms part of a much larger 100,000m square identified by a unique two-letter code. These letters are printed within the section headed The National Grid Reference System found in the key to each sheet, and are quoted in this guide immediately before the six-figure grid reference.

      To identify an exact position on the map from a given grid reference, take the first two digits from the six-figure number quoted. These refer to the ‘eastings’ line on the OS map. The third digit is estimated in tenths of the square moving eastwards from that line. Next, take the fourth and fifth digits referring to the ‘northings’ line, and then the final digit estimating the number of tenths of the square reading up the sheet. Using this grid reference you should be able to pinpoint the exact position referred to in the text.

      Times and Distances

      Distances quoted in the text have been measured on the individual OS maps and double-checked using a pedometer, so they should be reasonably accurate. Please note that heights quoted on OS maps are in metres, not feet, and grid lines are spaced at intervals of 1km.

      Allow 2–2½ miles per hour for your walk, without prolonged stops. Reckon on walking a little slower after rain when conditions may be heavy or a little greasy underfoot. When accompanied by children or inexperienced walkers – or indeed, when walking in a group – allow extra time, especially if there are stiles to cross.

      Leaving the route of the South Downs Way, this stile takes the walker onto Salt Hill (Walk 34)

Public Transport and Car Parking

      Several railway companies operate lines that run in the vicinity of the South Downs National Park, and where specific walks may be accessed by train, a note of the nearest station is given. The same goes for bus services, but it would not be practical to give details of times – or even the frequency of services (bus or train) – since these are likely to change during the period this guidebook is in print.

      PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION

      Southern Railways operate services from London Victoria to Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Lewes, and Portsmouth

      South West Trains operate services from London to Brighton and Portsmouth

      First Capital Connect operate between Brighton and Bedford

      First Greater Western have a twice daily service between Brighton and Cardiff

      National Rail Enquiries tel [phone] (24 hour service) www.nationalrail.co.uk

      Traveline Bus Service tel [phone] www.traveline.org.uk

      National Express Coaches tel [phone] www.nationalexpress.co.uk

      See also www.buses.co.uk

      The dedicated South Downs website www.southdowns.gov.uk/enjoy/plan-a-visit/getting-around also provides valuable public transport information.

      The location, including grid reference, of a suitable car park is included at the beginning of each walk should you use your own transport to reach the start of a walk. However, where there is no official parking facility available, please park sensibly and with consideration for local residents and farm vehicles, making sure you do not cause an obstruction. If you park near a church, please avoid service times. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, and be sure to lock it before setting out on your walk.

Where to Stay

      A wide range of accommodation is available throughout the South Downs National Park, ranging from a handful of campsites, YHA hostels, camping barns and independent hostels, to privately owned B&Bs, pubs with rooms, and a variety of hotels. The South Downs website www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way/plan provides details and is recommended. For more specific information about youth hostels, their location and facilities, please see Appendix A for the address of the YHA national office. Camping barns and independent hostels that cater for groups, families and individuals, are listed in the Handbook of Independent Hostels UK published by The Backpackers Press, or go to www.independenthostelguide.co.uk.

The Country Code

      1 Enjoy