Petersfield to Alton - idyllic woods, views, hangers and hidden pastures

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A 24 km walk from Petersfield to Alton, expected to take about six hours, passing through countryside associated with Jane Austen and Gilbert White. The route includes about 585 m of ascent and is rated moderate.

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SUMMARY Distance: 24km (approx 15 miles) Ascent: c. 585m Estimated Duration (approx): 6 hours walking (4km/hr) Difficulty: Moderate to energetic Group size: 20 hikers Torch: Might be needed! HIGHLIGHTS * Jane Austen country – the landscapes around Alton and Chawton where Jane Austen lived and found inspiration for her celebrated novels, with their sharp wit, irony and social commentary on early 19th-century English society. * The legacy of Gilbert White – visiting Selborne, home of the naturalist whose pioneering observations of wildlife inspired *The Natural History of Selborne*, a seminal work that has influenced generations of naturalists, including Charles Darwin. * Wonderful views, particularly from Shoulder of Mutton Hill looking towards the South Downs * Autumn woodland at its best – winding paths through fields and pastures, with beech, ash, yew and lime trees hopefully putting on a colourful seasonal display. * Quintessential English countryside – rolling hills, wooded slopes and peaceful rural landscapes. THE WALK We’ll start in Petersfield and head along part of the 34 km (21-mile) Hangers Way, a less-travelled long-distance path through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It will be an undulating hike through the little-known countryside north of Petersfield, heading towards Alton.

South Bank