As you leave the A3 southwest of Guildford and run up the long slip road for Milford, there is always a sense of relief to be off the frenetic pace of the busy dual carriageway.

As you descend the hill to Haslemere, the vista of the wide high street lined with some pleasing period buildings is a delight. Many are tile-hung in the Sussex style and include 17th century houses behind a raised walkway.

Just to the east of the road from Haslemere woodland still covers Black Down the highest point in Sussex, at 919ft above sea level. It is part of a plateau of nearly 500 acres covered with gorse, heather and woodland, mainly pine and birch. (Photo: Mark Horrell)
The Hollycombe Steam Power centre west of Fernhurst is an attraction many will enjoy. Opening times are restricted particularly outside the school holiday period in July and August. So do check opening times on their website first. The centre has a large collection of steam powered machinery of national importance including road engines and rollers, traction engines and tractors, traditional fairground attractions and a quarry steam railway. Open Sundays and Bank Holidays from April to early October and daily from late July to late August. It is located 3 miles west of Fernhurst and is only 2 miles east of the A3 near Liphook.

Midhurst is an old market town on the River Rother, full of attractive houses and several fine old inns, including the 15th century Spread Eagle Inn. The hill from the bridge over the River Rother rising to the town is again an attractive wide vista.

The viewpoint on top of the Downs by the Trundle, close to the grandstand on the horse racing course, provides a panorama over West Sussex. On a bright day, the views for some 30 miles back to the north can be stunning. The Trundle is an Iron Age hill fort on St Roche's Hill.
The sight of the spectacular Goodwood grandstand and associated buildings sat isolated and splendid atop the Downs is one you will never forget. Horse races have been held here regularly since 1802. The most important meeting is at the end of July/early August, known as Glorious Goodwood.

There is also the feeling that an enjoyable route to Goodwood is beginning which will take you through some beautiful countryside and the attractive market towns of Haslemere and Midhurst. The road ahead has gentle curves and undulations leaving you with that essential interest - what is ahead?

Barista Coffee is a convenient place for coffee in Charter Walk, a quiet passageway off Haslemere high street.

The view from Black Down looking south towards the South Downs. A three mile walk around the top has fine views over the Sussex Weald and to the South Downs. Parking is available at the National Trust car park in Tennyson's Lane just southeast of Haslemere.
Download a guide to the walk (PDF)

Just south of Fernhurst there are two pubs as options for refreshment or lunch. The Kings Arms Inn is easy to spot as it is a good looking place on a bold location on the A286, whereas the small Duke of Cumberland Arms in the nearby hamlet of Henley is a real mystery tour with no certainty of finding it on the first or even at the second attempt!

Route passes the village of Cocking and then drops down to Singleton. Here you have the attraction of the museum nearby and a pub for refreshment or lunch - the Fox Goes Free a few miles east in the small village of Charlton.

The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum provides a quite extraordinary opportunity to walk amongst a fascinating collection of nearly fifty historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, many with period gardens and some with farm animals.

Glorious Goodwood on top of the Downs, a title that could not be more apt on a bright summer's day.