SUSSEX

Over in the east of the county, Hastings has a large country park with rewards of impressive views if you climb the rugged sandstone hills.

Further along east Sussex the chalk cliffs rise steeply along the coast to form the undulations known as the Seven Sisters. Miles of springy downland turf is full of wild flowers such as cowslips, orchids and other plants, some unique to the ancient chalklands. In turn, these plants attract many lovely butterflies and other insects.

Cutting through this is the beautiful Cuckmere valley, popular with birdwatchers who will be rewarded with frequent sightings of heron, egrets and many other smaller wading birds. A mile or so inland will bring you into Friston Forest, which will provide shelter from strong sea breezes.

The river Ouse flows through the historic town of Lewes which is a good starting point for both river and downland walks. There are many small villages within hiking distance, and good lunches are usually available in the local pubs.

There are many high vantage points on the South Downs, and a few miles inland from the heart of Brighton stands Ditchling Beacon, offering views towards the sea in the south and across the Weald to the north. These high paths, some forming part of the South Downs Way, are well drained and can provide fairly dry walking even in the depths of winter.

The river Adur flows down to the port of Shoreham which is on the border of West Sussex. From here through to Hampshire, the coastal plain flattens out to provide some wide sandy beaches, and inland is fertile agricultural land. The historic county town of Chichester is a good starting point for some lovely canal and river walks which lead to some interesting quays and harbours.

The river Arun runs through flat meadows full of wildlife and carries on down to Littlehampton, and on the western side of the harbour you can walk alongside soft sand dunes.

Working our way inland in West Sussex the land is more wooded and provides pleasant shade for summer walks. The ancient towns and villages of Sussex are steeped in history and if these explorations work up an appetite, there are many delightful villages where it is difficult to resist wonderful cream teas.

The ancient town of Arundel sits imposingly on a hillside, with its stunning castle takes centre stage against a backdrop of a mixture of woodland and rolling downs, which makes this pleasant walking country.