LOVERS of a fine country jaunt and proper pub are so spoilt for choice they could enjoy a different pairing every day of the year.

Attractive though that sounds, few of us have the luxury of so much time - but that need not stop us getting out there when we can.

For city dwellers it is easy to forget just how close we are to the countryside - and some walks don’t even require a car.

The Argus:

Walk the Jugg’s Road and you are following in the footsteps of pre-1770 fishermen who would ride donkeys carrying jugs full of catch destined for the market in Lewes.

The road greened over after the A27 was built, and is now a blustery route exclusively for walkers, with views of the sea, Downs and Weald.

Get the bus up to the Racecourse and follow a footpath that runs parallel to Drove Road, before breaking out on to the South Downs Way.

Turn off at Kingston for a refreshing pint at The Juggs, an idyllic English pub with cosy open fires and oak beams.

For something extra special to eat, carry on to The Pelham Arms in Lewes, a multiple award-winning gastro-pub with excellent no-nonsense roast dinners.

Another walk-pub combination very accessible to the city, is around Devil’s Dyke.

Many head straight up to The Devil’s Dyke pub, which offers a stunning vantage point, but gets rather busy at the weekend with families and hand-gliders.

The Dyke is easily reachable from Brighton and Hove by bus.

But if you can, park in Poynings where you can walk up and around the maze-like warrens of the Dyke to your heart’s content, before descending back down to The Royal Oak for some well-earned nosebag.

If The Royal Oak is too busy, an even better kept secret is the nearby Shepherd and Dog in neighbouring Fulking.

And another worthy shout is get a bus up to Ditchling Beacon and trek along the South Downs Way to Devil's Dyke.

Beyond the Downs and deep into the Weald, Fletching is possibly the most scenic Sussex village - though Cuckfield and Glynde might give it a run for its money.

There a few circular options available for an idle tramp through lush fields and mellow woodland - and two fantastic pubs to end up in.

The Griffin Inn has one of the best beer gardens imaginable, with a view jokingly referred to as the Sussex Serengeti.

Alternatively there is lovingly restored 12th century Rose and Crown, which has an impressive range of craft beer and spirits.

Sussex is rightly regarded as having some of the finest countryside and finest traditional pubs in the country.

Combine them and you have the perfect afternoon.