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

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

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. Much of the route passes through countryside that has changed little over the centuries with dramatic hill-top views, secluded valleys and woodlands. The
the route taking us along distinctive hangers , otherwise known as ancient woodland clinging to steep slopes.

We’ll be rewarded with fantastic views from Shoulder of Mutton Hill after a stiff climb, as we continue through autumnal woodland towards Hawkley.
The first 40% of the route follows my Petersfield to Liss walk before we peel off to continue north towards Selborne where we’ll stop for lunch at the museum cafe.
https://gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Selborne is famous for the home of Gilbert White whose close observation of wildlife and its behaviour helped shape the development of modern natural history and is nestled in the valley of surrounding hanger valleys.
From there, we’ll make our way to Alton amongst further lush woodlands, finishing with a well-earned pub stop near the station.

And sorry for the early start, but sunset is a 4pm and it's dark by 4.30pm.

ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history, and look at interesting buildings along the way.

PROGRAMME
You can choose to meet at London Waterloo or the Hike Starting Point.
The applicable time and meeting points are detailed below.

MEETING POINT:
We will assemble in front of Information Desk under the large clock, and by the large Pret.

MEETING DETAILS
Assembly Time:
08.00- for those wanting in on a Group Save
08.15 - for people who have their own tickets as we move to the train
08.30 - train departs
09.32 - train arrives in Petersfield

HIKE START POINT
Leave at: promptly at 09.35
Meetup Point: Petersfield Train Station - outside the front

RETURN
Return trains from Alton - train times are 17.14, 17.43 etc (about 1 hour journey on fast train). Everyone is flexible to go back when they want.

HIKE COST
The cost for the hike is £12 per person.

TRAIN INFORMATION
For those buying their own tickets, please get:
A single to PETERSFIELD & and a single from ALTON to London.
Woking is where the trains forks to Petersfield and Alton.

GROUP SAVE PRICE
If you want to join, please message me. At the moment

Singles range from £12.20 - £14.90 from Waterloo to Petersfield
Return from Alton to London is £16.35.

Buy a Network Railcards for £35/ year for similar off peak savings. www.network-railcard.co.uk.

REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp

PRICE INCLUDES
· Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
· Travel costs
· Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
· PayPal fees

RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list)
· Suitable hiking shoes or boots
· Packed lunch and snacks
· Water - 2 litres recommended
· Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
· Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
· Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino

CANCELLING/REFUNDS
If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email [email protected] after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund.

QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.
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