Hangers Way - Hawkley to Steep
A short history of the Hangers Way
The Hangers Way is a 21-mile long-distance walking route. The route begins at Alton Railway Station and carries on into the lush Hampshire countryside. It passes along a series of steep-sided wooded hills, known as “The Hangers” and through the pretty market town of Petersfield. Finishing at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.
The Way has been divided into eight sections, each providing a really good day out. Choose between quiet villages or bustling market towns, meadow picnics or cosy pubs, steep hills with exhilarating views or cool, peaceful woodland.
Key
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- Route
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- Temporarily closed
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- Restricted use
Directions
Leave Hawkley and cross a stream to reach the medieval hamlet of Oakshott. Continue along the Way and climb the steepest ascent of the whole path, from Oakshott up to the Shoulder of Mutton Hill. In a clearing on the hill is The Poet’s Stone, dedicated to the memory of local poet Edward Thomas who was killed at the Battle of Arras in 1917.
Walk along to Ashford Hill, down into Lutcombe Bottom and along a boggy valley to arrive in Steep. The scenery is such that this area is known as ‘Little Switzerland’. Passing through the churchyard of All Saints Church, you can find some tombs of Jane Austen’s family.
