The South Downs Way is a 159km National Trail over the undulating countryside between Eastbourne and Winchester. You can walk or ride along this scenic route across the open expanse of the Sussex Downs, following the Countryside Agency's acorn waymarks.

This is the complete official guide for the long distance walker or the week-end stroller and contains all the information you need. The route is split into convenient sections, each with Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps marked with points of special interest. Also included are instructions for circular routes off the Trail for shorter walks, enabling the walker to explore the local area. There is comprehensive route information on each section with colour photographs and notes on nearby features. To make the journey even more interesting there is background information on local history, wildlife, archaeology, geology, industry and land use. Practical information includes details of public transport, villages on or near the route with facilities for walkers, useful organisations and accommodation including camping sites.

This new edition of Kev Reynold's guide splits the trail into 12 day-long sections, each illustrated with OS Landranger mapping and the author's own full colour photographs. The text provides a thorough exploration of the South Downs Trail from end to end, travelling in both directions. The route follows the northern escarpment for much of the way and rarely descends to habitation except where river valleys interrupt the regular course of the Downs. The route links many ancient and historical tracks, passing sites of particular interest to those with a thirst for the past, but the main joy is the appreciation and recognition of this surprisingly secretive land that will please and delight any walker.

Practical information including refreshment and accommodation facilities is included, together with commentry on the many places of interest along the way. Kev Reynolds is a prolific and experienced writer whose walking guides are practical and reliable.

The sections (east to west) are: 1 - Eastbourne to Alfriston. 2 - Alfriston to Southease. 3 - Southease to Housedean (A27). 4 - Housedean to Pyecombe. 5 - Pyecombe to Botolphs (Adur Valley). 6 - Botolphs to Washington. 7 - Washington to Amberley. 8 - Amberley to Cocking. 9 - Cocking to South Harting. 10 - South Harting to Buriton (Queen Elizabeth Forest). 11 - Buriton to Exton. 12 - Exton to Winchester.

This guide describes the South Downs Way from west to east, following the National Trail along the line of chalk hills stretching from Winchester in Hampshire across Sussex to Eastbourne. Walking the length of the Downs is the best way to experience this beautiful landscape with its mixture of rolling hills, steep hanging woodland and windswept fields. You'll also pass through picture-postcard villages with welcoming pubs, thatched cottages and quintessentially English gardens.

One of the strengths of Trailblazer guides is the mapping and this guide includes 60 detailed sketch maps at the large scale of 1:20,000, making route finding easy. The unique mapping features include walking times, directions, tricky junctions, places to stay, places to eat and points of interest. These are not general purpose maps but fully edited maps drawn by walkers for walkers. The maps are supported by detailed route descriptions. Itineraries cover hiking the 100 mile route in its entirety or sampling the delights on day walks or short breaks and include detailed public transport information for all access points. There is practical information for all budgets, what to see, where to stay, where to eat including pubs, hotels, B&B, camping and hostels. The introductory chapters also include planning the walk, the environment and nature.

A brief description of the route is included, together with directions on how to get to the start. Practical information includes contact details for TIC's, accommodation, places of interest and other useful organisations. There are enlargements of Eastbourne and Winchester town centres. The map is printed on waterproof paper and has an additional protective plastic sleeve.

This book is not a walking guide in the conventional sense, since it does not contain detailed route directions or maps. We think the essence of the book is captured in the forward by Peter Bandon, President of the South Downs Society. He Says "This book makes one impatiently want to set off for the billows of the Downs but what makes it different from others written on the Downs is its companionableness. Like any good human companion on a pleasurable walk the book wears it's learning lightly yet tries to answer the questions that a newcomer to the chalk hills is likely to raise. It shows how you can find quietude and loveliness on the Downs".

The book describes the Way in nine sections, each with a separate chapter. Each of these sections is roughly between 8 and 12 miles, which is a pleasant distance for a days walk, allowing time to stop and enjoy all the features the Companion describes. There is an introductory chapter and the book is illustrated with numerous colour photographs. Having this book with you as you walk the Downs will certainly add to the pleasure and interest of the journey. The stage starting points are as follows: Eastbourne; Alfriston; A27 crossing; Devil's Dyke; Washington; Whiteways; Cocking; Queen Elizabeth County Park; Exton, finishing at Winchester.