Walk 11 : Petersfield to Liss

17.7km (11 miles) five hours walking time. For the whole excursion including trains and meals allow 9 hours. Shorter walk of 8km (5 miles) 3 hours walking time.

OS Landranger 197 & 185. OS Explorer 133.

7 out of 10

Much of this walk follows the Hangers Way, a long distance path which lies within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The name Hanger derives from the old English "Hangra" meaning a wooded slope. Much of the walk is in unspoilt countryside which remains as it was several hundred years ago. The shortcut, very steep ascent of Shoulder of Mutton Hill may be slippery in winter when the slightly longer route is advised. Whichever route is taken the view at the top is spectacular.

The ancient market town of Petersfield was founded in the early 12^th century and later became a coaching centre on the main London to Portsmouth route. At the centre of the market square is a fine equestrian statue of King William III dating from 1753.

The village of Steep was the home of first world war poet Edward Thomas who is commemorated by a memorial stone on Shoulder of Mutton Hill. He lived at 2 Yew Tree Cottages along the lane from All Saints’ church. He enlisted in the Artists Rifles and was Killed at Arras in 1917 aged 39. The clear windows in the south wall of the church were engraved in 1978 by Laurence Whistler in the poet’s memory. The church dates back to 1140 and contains an impressive set of embroidered kneelers depicting the natural history of the area.

Shoulder of Mutton Hill makes a fine objective in its own right. The short walk allows you to enjoy the spectacular views from its summit on a pleasant half day stroll. The strenuous climb of Shoulder of Mutton Hill aside, this is a walk of gentle gradients apart from one short steep downhill section which may be slippery in winter.

Take the train nearest to 09.45am from London Waterloo to Petersfield. Journey time approx 75 minutes. Trains back from Liss run hourly at weekends. Buy a day return to Petersfield.

Parking at Petersfield station. Liss is one stop further up the line.

The suggested lunch stop (which is a little over half way into the walk) is the Hawkley Arms (tel 01730 827205) in the village of Hawkley. The pub has a garden and serves home cooked food until 2pm at weekends. Booking is advised. On the short walk The Harrow Inn (tel 01730 262685) is described as "one of the finest traditional country inns in England dating from the seventeenth century". Food is served until 2.45pm at weekends (tel 01730 262685) and there is a garden. Shoulder of Mutton Hill is a good picnic spot.

The suggested tea stop is The Alley Cat (tel 01730 260048) which serves home made cakes. Tea served until 5pm Monday to Saturdays throughout the year. Alternatively try Brewers next to the Waitrose car park at the end of Bakery Way. Specialist teas and coffees served. Small seating area. Tea served until 5pm Monday to Saturday. There are also more tea shops down the main high street, some of which are open on Sundays.

Start: Petersfield Station is near : GU32 3EE. [gmap]

Finish: Liss Station is near : GU33 7AB. [gmap]

London to Petersfield | Liss to London

The text above was taken from the 2004 edition of the book, and may be a little out of date. Please check the updates for this walk.