■ Distance: 6½ miles/10.6km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate

We all know walking is good for us, but walking in good company is even better. So, with an unexpected weekend to myself, I am exploring the West Sussex countryside on a guided break with HF Holidays.

Roger Butler peers over steep slopes on a roller coaster along Offa’s Dyke

The nearest station is Manningtree, on the Great Eastern Main Line, which is around 1 hour 15 minutes from London Liverpool Street and is also reachable from Colchester and Ipswich. If coming by car,

■ Distance: 5¼ miles/8.5km ■ Time: 2½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate

Alex Roddie enjoys the best bit of the undulating South Downs Way