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Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas Circular Walk

3.11 miles (5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This literary circular walk in Hampshire climbs to Shoulder of Mutton Hill to visit the memorial of the poet Edward Thomas in the Hampshire Downs. The circular route runs for just over 3 miles with a moderate climb on the way. There's lovely views over the Hampshire Downs to enjoy on the way.
The walk starts from the village of Hawkley and heads south along the Hangers Way waymarked trail. You'll pass Oakshott before climbing to Shoulder of Mutton Hill. Here you'll find a sarsen stone dedicated to Edward Thomas erected in 1935. The inscription includes the final line from one of his essays: 'And I rose up and knew I was tired and I continued my journey.' The steep Hampshire Hangars inspired many of his poems including Up in the Wind, The New House and Wind and Mist. There's also splendid views across the South Downs from here.
The route then descends past Wheatham Hill and Cheescombe Farm before returning to Hawkley. Here you can enjoy refreshments at the Hawkley Inn.
To extend your walking in the area you can follow the Hangar's Way north to Selborne Common and Noar Hill.

Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Back in Hawkley there's the Hawkley Inn for some post walk refreshment. They serve good quality food and have a fine selection of ales. Outside is a spacious garden for warmer days. You can find them on Pococks Lane with postcode GU33 6NE for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The woodland and hillside make for a fine dog walk. The Hawkley Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Seat on Shoulder of Mutton Hill - geograph.org.uk - 1324428

Seat on Shoulder of Mutton Hill

Footpath to Shoulder of Mutton Hill - geograph.org.uk - 1416785

Footpath to Shoulder of Mutton Hill. Steep 17 from the minor road at the foot of Shoulder of Mutton Hill climbs through Ashford Hangars Nature Reserve to Old Litten Lane (an unclassified county road) at the top.

Edward Thomas memorial stone

Edward Thomas memorial stone

Path at the bottom of Shoulder of Mutton Hill - geograph.org.uk - 1324621

Path at the bottom of Shoulder of Mutton Hill

Wessex 100 competitors ascending Oakshott Hangers - geograph.org.uk - 1324323

Wessex 100 competitors ascending Oakshott Hangers

Hangers Way (Hawkley to Petersfield section) Stile 7 - geograph.org.uk - 1324339

Hangers Way (Hawkley to Petersfield section) Stile 7

Long distance walkers between Cheesecombe Farm and Middle Oakshott Farm (1) - geograph.org.uk - 1324235

Long distance walkers between Cheesecombe Farm and Middle Oakshott Farm

Cottages on The Green at Hawkley - geograph.org.uk - 1323402

Cottages on The Green at Hawkley

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)