most of its length, it passes through the low weald of Sussex. Prior to the development of modern roads, this was difficult for travellers, because of the extensive forest and tracts of low-lying marshy ground. The more likely route was the Pilgrims' Way, which followed the chalk escarpment of the North Downs. In popular culture The road is the subject of a book by the Dutch author Pieter Boogaart: A272 - An Ode to a Road (Pallas Athene, 2000). The A272 is the subject of a chapter in W H Charnock's book "Mind over Motor" describing in detail a car journey from Winchester to Petersfield. The A272 is mentioned as part of the route Pablo Picasso will take as part of his bicycle ride in the first episode of Monty Python. See also Great Britain road numbering scheme References External links Roads in England Roads in East Sussex Transport in Hampshire Roads in West Sussex Roads in Hampshire