Go and explore using your local and regional buses........here are just a few suggested friendly bus-routes in the South:- It's just a question of picking up your bus route planner and see how it aligns with your OS maps, look at the timetable so you don't get caught out........and off you go!
TIP:Many of the route guides and timetables are on-line and Google does a good job of showing you the bus stops in relation to the footpaths.
Our 'local' bus when we are in our holiday static caravan that nestles nicely under the South Downs in Sussex. Just 15 minutes walk and we are at the bus-stop! Hop-on and hop-off will give you a myriad of walks from Horsham and all along the route to Brighton. The latter walks will take you over the downs where you can connect with the extensive Brighton Buses network, on the other side. Then its just a question of making the connection in Brighton's Churchill Square and back on the number 17. This bus runs 7 days a week with the Sunday and evening service reduced, so check the timetables!
Another 'local' bus that runs in a rather convoluted way between Horsham and Burgess Hill, via Pulborough, Storrington, Washington, Steyning, Henfield and off to Burgess Hill. Its hourly through the weekdays and is so handy for all of the mid-Southdowns giving a good day walking possibilities. We have used it many times between Washington and Bramber. Henfield and Smalldole, Steyning and Woodmancote.................... too many to list them all here! Compass buses are worth checking out as they cover a large part of rural Sussex and Surrey.
Whilst Brighton corporation buses are known for covering the whole of the city of Brighton, this city-bus seems to have got lost and serves towns and villages either side of the East Sussex capital. Unless you are familiar with the area, this double-decked bus looks out of place, in it's rich livary of red and cream, squeezing its way through the mainly one-way traffic of pedestrianised Bramber, or equally quaint streets of Steyning. Just a glance at the OS map of the area and it will show the bus crosses over the South Downs Way and glides alongside the Downs themselves for many miles. Its not inconceivable to alight at Rottingdean and walk back over the downs to Brighton. Equally to alight the other end at Steyning and walk back into Brighton. There are too many posibilities to list so just go and explore. City buses and day passes are far from expensive too. Concessions welcomed also!
We have used this excellent Bucks/Oxfordshire service for many years since living in the 'North' The bus is a cut-above the usual Arriva fleet with dedicated smart drivers, Wi-fi, leather seats and a 20/30 minutes service right from dawn to midnight. Connecting Aylesbury with Oxford via Haddenham and Thame a look at the local OS map will light your eyes up with walk options. It's good to know that there will be no timing of the walk start and end due to the excellent 7-day, all day, frequency. The Thame valley walk springs immediatley to mind to name only one! With train stations and a huge ammount of connecting buses at both ends what are you waiting for.......certainly not the bus, this time!