A BREATHTAKING expanse with no end of inspiration for exploration.

It is what gives us the wonderful trifecta of being able to live by the sea, in or near a city and within footsteps of rolling countryside all at the same time.

Sussex and the South Downs go hand in hand. They always have and they always will.

Loved by tourists and locals alike, no trip will be the same.

Each Sunday drive through the country lanes will see you stumble across a different and equally charming tea room or farm shop.

Brisk walks to the beacons at Firle and Ditchling and the many other viewing points will afford a different perspective of our county. And there are picnic spots aplenty to break up a bracing bike ride over the undulating hills as the coastline pops in and out of view.

The Argus:

For chief executive of the South Downs National Park Trevor Beattie, the Downs are the "beating green heart" of the county.

"It's where people first lived and still live. It has inspired generations of people and the best way to see the whole of Sussex is on top of the Downs. It captures the spirit of Sussex," he said.

He thinks this is evident particularly because of its regular cameo in publicity paraphernalia like wartime posters showing the peaks of the cliffs designed to remind people of the beauty of their precious Britain.

Although he struggles to pick a favourite spot Chanctonbury Ring, the hill fort ring of trees atop Chanctonbury Hill, near Washington sticks out.

Equally he is a fan of the "wonderful" South Downs Way - the ancient 100 mile long national trail from Hampshire to Eastbourne - which offers one way of escaping from the stresses of modern life and enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in southern England.

More than just an attraction of natural beauty, it remains a vital source of income and the bearer of delicious produce too.