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ou could do the whole of this 100-mile cross-country route in one go, but we believe it’s always best to start off small and slow. Especially when there are good pubs involved. So why not pick a particularly scenic section, like the 7.5-mile stretch from Harting Downs car park – above the pretty village of South Harting – to the cute little parish of Cocking?

Much of the route follows an undulating ridge where you’ll have uninterrupted views of the frosty Downs. However, it also passes through open fields by Buriton Farm, Linch Down and Didling Hill before descending into Cocking (okay, so we’re guessing you’ve probably spotted the pattern of comedy names).

Here, you can call in at the Bluebell Inn for something warm and reviving – or walk the four miles back in the direction you came, to the 16th-century Three Horseshoes pub in Elsted. If you’ve had enough walking, you could even take a bus or taxi.

Run by Sue Beavis for the past 18 years, the Three Horseshoes has gorgeous views over the South Downs . Join the locals and their dogs warming up in front of the open fire, before feasting on Selsey crab or Sussex lamb – with treacle tart for pudding. You deserve it.