Leave road stress at home with the car and discover the South Downs by bus.
A new guide to public transport in the National Park highlights eight breathtaking bus routes in the area.
Click on the first picture to open the gallery.
Route 12 from Brighton to Eastbourne.
Easily in the running for the most scenic bus route in the country, the Coaster takes in the world-famous Seven Sisters white chalk cliffs and the classic serpentine meanders of the river Cuckmere.
Route 38 from Petersfield to Alton via Selborne
Travelling through some of the most densely wooded areas in Hampshire the 38 takes in Jane Austen’s village of Chawton and Gilbert White’s village of Selborne. If you’re on the double decker (Mon to Fri except bank holidays) it’s definitely worth heading upstairs and trying to bag the front seat.
Route 54 from Chichester to Petersfield
A route for walkers and pub lovers, the 54 runs through a series of small villages and gives access to famous downland churches and the ancient yew trees at Kingley Vale. It also takes in the curiously named ‘Petersfield Moggs Mead Crundles’ bus stop.
Route 60 from Midhurst to Bognor Regis
Taking in a seaside pier, a medieval cathedral, great shops at Chichester, downland villages, deep wooded valleys and a romantic Tudor ruin, the 60 has something for everyone. Stop off along the way to visit West Dean Gardens and the Weald and Downland Museum.
Route 67 from Winchester to Petersfield
Weaving between the Hampshire hills through the Itchen and Meon valleys, the 67 is a route for lovers of wildlife and picturesque villages. The pristine chalk river Itchen is home to otter and wild trout and a program is currently underway to return water vole to the river Meon where they had been locally extinct.
Route 79 from Brighton to Ditchling Beacon
Taking in Ditchling Beacon, one of the highest points in the National Park, the 79 gives 360 degree views out to sea in the south, across the weald to the north and along the high chalk ridge of the South Downs from west to east.
Route 99 from Chichester to Petworth
If the views around Petworth were good enough for Turner, they’re good enough for us. The 99 also offers a flexible service that will take in the iconic Halnaker windmill.
Route 125 from Lewes to Eastbourne via Alfriston
Last but most definitely not least wind your way through the Cuckmere valley on the heels of the Bloomsbury set. One for culture lovers the 125 also stops at Glynde – home of the famous Glyndebourne Opera – before joining the same route of the 12 along the coast.
Have we missed your favourite? Share your South Downs bus view with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram #DiscoverView #SouthDowns
Request your free copy of the South Downs National Park Public Transport Guide 2015/16 at info@southdowns.gov.uk or 01730 814810.
Have we missed your favourite? Share your South Downs bus view with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram #DiscoverView #SouthDowns