The South Downs Society's Festival of walks supported by the West Sussex Gazette

Eighteen different walks will explore the huge variety of beautiful landscapes in the National Park area, and will run until mid summer. The walks are free and everyone is welcome to go along.

Jacquetta Fewster, Director of the South Downs Society, said "It is wonderful news that the South Downs are to become a National Park. What better way to celebrate, and learn more about our brand-new National Park, than to join us for one of our Festival walks?"

"From the Seven Sisters in the East, to Old Winchester Hill in the West, and many points in between, the walks will take in hundreds of viewpoints and lesser-known gems as well. We'll explore beautiful wild flower hay meadows, woodlands bursting with birdsong, heaths, and springy chalk hills dotted with orchids. There are so many stunning areas waiting to be discovered."

Other features on the walks include a World War Two tank, a farm tour, a visit to the Devil's Jumps and other prehistoric sites, the oldest building in Brighton and places linked to the famous naturalist Gilbert White and the Bloomsbury Group authors.

The first walk takes place on Wednesday May 13, at 10am with a starting point at Kithurst Hill Car Park, near Storrington (road off B2139). Grid Ref: 121/070124

Distance and finish time: 5 miles,12.45pm.

For more details on the walks see West Sussex Gazette April 22 and details are available on the Society website at www.southdownssociety.org.uk, or by post from the South Downs Society, telephone 01798 875073.