Slow Sussex and the South Downs

Straddling the Hampshire Downs and the distinctive countryside of Sussex, the South Downs is Britain's newest and most visited national park, and is abutted by a long coastline and the surprisingly remote landscapes of the Weald.

Slow-travel enthusiast and Sussex resident Tim Locke takes a close-up look at the best of the countryside and places in his back yard, and celebrates what makes the area so distinctive.

This is not a book of dry practicalities. Locke's local knowledge leads the reader to his favourite walks, pubs and and places to stay, while his colourful interviews with local craftsmen and characters give visitors a personal acquaintance with the region.

Sussex boasts a huge variety of landscapes and architecture, from the chalk South Downs to the salty marshes at Chichester Harbour.

The ways of enjoying it are just as diverse, and could include foraging for fungi on the Wealden heaths, watching the unique Sussex pastime of stoolball, paragliding over the Downs or sampling a locally produced wine.