This book itself is exactly the book I would want to have as my guide on the way. The full color maps are detailed and well marked. The photos are inviting and make me want to see all the views. The book provides a history of the path and the area before getting into the path itself. They divide the path into sections and provide detailed description of the path and all there is to see along the path. The description of the trail itself is detailed so that no one will get lost. The book made the path seem very doable and the people I would see wondering the fields on my trips to Britain seem less insane for going on rambles through the fields. The book includes information about accommodation and even recommended items to pack. This particular trail was not very technical, so anyone could really pick up this guide and head out on a ramble. The publisher has a few other guides for other paths and I have read the one for Offa Dyke’s Path which was equally informational.
Thank you to @NetGalley, @QuartoBooksUK, and @FrancisLincolnPub for the ebook in exchange for an honest review

Part of a National Trail Guide series, covering all such walks Britain has to offer, this did raise an eyebrow when I saw it had no new copyright claim to this edition, suggesting it was the same as the 2012, the author's last before he passed away. It's a very nice volume, either way – wonderful illustrations that don't get in the way of the text information, nice OS-based mapping (again, copyright 2012), and not too many diversions and circular meanders as added extras. Starting at Eastbourne and ending over a week and a hundred miles later at Winchester, this follows the chalk hills across the southern edge of SE England, and it's got the usual problem such books have – they're always better used in the direction posited and not the reverse. The main guy overlooking the Trail online nowadays even admits to thinking this is wrong, as going eastwards keeps the wind at your back.

With a firm eye to the history and geographical sights of note this lets us speed past a lot of prehistoric walkway and millennia of development, but does make sure anything of interest is at least given a respectable nod. It's readable, and seems really easy to follow. An initial section is the context of the walk as regards nature, history and geology, while a small gazetteer at the end tells us what is where (or at least what was there when the thing was compiled). It might not be the perfect walk, with the larger access points public transport provide quite removed from it at times, but it certainly looks fine under this appealing light.

Great book for explorers! Looking forward to referring to it when I’m out and about, It’s nicely presented.

I am a frequent hiker of longer distance paths, so this type of book is very familiar to me. I have certain things that I always look for and this guide fits the bill. I hope someday to get a chance to hike the South Downs Way. First, there is a distance checklist between waypoints, in additional to the maps. I find these really helpful tools in planning. Next, good info on the geology, wildlife and history to help set the stage for your walk. The second part of the guide gives suggested daily walking guide, with reasonable breaks and detailed directions, beautiful pictures and maps. More info and history are interspersed as well. Finally, part three helps with trip planning. This includes transportation suggestions, baggage services, places to stay as well as tourist centers. Additional details for cyclists and horseback riders also noted. I well organized and easy to follow guide book.

Excellent book cant wait to use it as a reference tool when i go to the south downs next month. good recommendations routes and Maps. also included history.

A detailed guide if you want to explore places full of nature and off the beaten track. I appreciated the information, the maps and the content.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The cover screams out me because I’ve walked that path to see The Seven Sisters (the chalked seaside cliffs). The only thing to make the photo better would be to see one of the sheep grazing as you walk the trail. South Downs Way is one of a series of books covering hiking and walking trails in parts of England. Britain has several National Trails that are maintained and marked crossing public and private lands. This book contains detailed information including colorful maps, photos and distances in miles and kilometers. It includes historical sites near the trials and gives information about flora and fauna and the geology. This one also has information if you are cycling or riding horses for on the paths. If I were planning to hike any of Britains Trail system this is the kind of step by step guidebook I would want in hand. It even gives suggestions for places to eat, sleep, refill water bottles or stop for tea and a scone. Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion for a temporary eARC in exchange for an honest review.

South Downs Way is an extensive Guide book for anyone who wants to get out in the great outdoors and explore this beautiful trail. It is full of lovely photographs and clear and detailed maps to follow. There is information on history, geology, places of special interest and wildlife. Perfect companion for anyone planning to walk, cycle or ride the route or part of it. Well structured, well written and planned, and would inspire anyone to get out and discover the South Downs.

This is an excellent book for those interested in nature walks along coast and countryside on the South Down Way. Full of useful maps as well as clear photographs this book will aid those on plannning walks along the path.
With sections on history, geology and wildlife of the Downs - this book covers many areas of interest.
There is even an interesting chapter on Charleston and the Bloomsbury Group in Sussex.
Would interest those planning a walk or local residents who would like to rediscover the South Downs Way.