**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. 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

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