Thinking of walking a section of the South Downs Way with the Mrs. Not looking at doing the full length, haven’t got enough time, probably about 40 miles over 2 nights/3 days.

Any recommendations for the most enjoyable section?

I vote for any section east of Amberley. Where it opens up to chalk downs and a view of the Weald and the sea.
On a sunny spring day or summer it’s beautiful up there.
If you can get an overnight at the YHA at Truleigh Hill it saves you time dropping off the ridge.
Chanctonbury Ring is a cool place too. Moody.

I hate walking and would never do this. But we rode the section from Washington to Bignor and the scenery was stunning. Bignor had some nice B&Bs/pubs as well.

We used these websites to plan our ride:

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/uploads/SDW_MBG_122009.pdf
http://www.bikedowns.co.uk/GeneralInfo.htm

A bit more bike oriented, but there is some info on where to stay.