Book Review - AA Leisure Guides: South Downs & Coast

At last, a family-friendly England walks guide for casual walkers and cyclists. In the past, I've found that walking guides to this part of England are for serious hikers who think nothing of strapping on a 75 pound backpack and doing 15 miles before breakfast.

Authors Tim and Anne Locke have taken a more relaxed approach. They've plotted out walks, cycle rides and drives that allow for sightseeing, stops at pubs and generally appreciating what the area has to offer beyond the rides and hikes themselves.

The guide divides the English South Downs and Coastal area into six manageable areas -

• Hampshire Downs
• Chichester & Arundel
• Brighton & Around
• Lewes & Eastbourne
• Rye & Hastings

Each chapter opens with some local background and includes must-see stops, detailed walks - graded for difficulty and time, cycle rides (in some chapters) and details about services, pubs and tea shops or cafes. There is also an introductory chapter with suggested itineraries for a weekend break. A few detailed atlas pages are tucked in the back before a slapdash index that is the book's only weakness.

Tempting illustrations

In all, the book covers ten walks, three cycle rides and two car tours, each illustrated with a color map. There are lots of large, colorful photographs dotted throughout the book - though, don't be surprised if you don't experience such brilliant sunshine during your visit.

A consistent voice

This book is published by the Automobile Association (AA) as part of a series that covers most English regions. One of the strengths of this particular volume is that it has been put together by one couple, rather than a team of eight to ten authors (which can often be the case with such England walks guides). The authors seem to take you along on their favorite walks and rides in an area they know very well.

The Bottom Line

A very good England walks guidebook that will help visitors - and locals - plan several enjoyable days of exploration.