Adam Trimingham’s comment (The Argus, August 4) raises the question of “countryside centres” in the South Downs and Stanmer Park in particular.

He believes that “little effort is made to direct walkers on the maze of paths” and no attention is made to give visitors a chance to learn about the area.

He would like somewhere to eat and drink on Ditchling Beacon. He claims that visitors to Devil’s Dyke are “confused” when they arrive.

Oh dear, Mr Trimingham, I believe that you represent, unwittingly, part of the problem of modern Britain.

Most of us who live in Brighton and love the Downs enjoy the chance to explore them without being spoon-fed by “countryside centres” which are usually only another name for a café.

In my experience, most of these involve retail shopping, gift and craft outlets, fast food, car parks, themed literature and plastic entertainment options.

Must we always be offered food, everywhere? We do not seem to manage litter disposal very well. And what happened to map reading? And the chance to go a little adventuring without intrusive signposts?

I walk around the new sandy circular tracks at Stanmer every Sunday morning and meet others enjoying the peace, unspoilt woodlands and beautiful views.

At dawn, there is often a “rave” in deserted woods near the university – guitars strum through the birdsong.

Transport? What does he mean by a “bus to Stanmer Village every hour”?

The number 25 from Churchill Square stops at Stanmer Park Gates every ten minutes from 6.30am.

Frequent trains link Brighton to Falmer railway station.

To commemorate the new National Park status of the South Downs, I have constructed 12 Walks for the BBC Southern Counties Radio website, all within a five-mile radius of Brighton centre.

Louise Schweitzer
Sillwood Road
Brighton