A 20s and 30s Ramblers group.
This 13-mile circular walk from Alton explores the beautiful countryside that inspired two famous writers – Gilbert White and Jane Austen.
This is the longer of two overlapping walks from Alton starting at the same time, the other being led by Shannon.
Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can (see Website link), so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.
Pace: medium.
Walk details
Leaving Alton behind, the first stage is across wide open fields with expansive views, following the Hangers Way (please note: the name of this footpath is much less sinister than it at first sounds, deriving from an Old English word meaning “wooded hillside”) to the village of East Worldham. From East Worldham the route becomes more wooded as we head south towards Selborne. Selborne is world famous as the home of the pioneering eighteenth century naturalist Rev. Gilbert White, and the subject of his book “The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne”. Because of the connection with White, much of the land around the village is owned by the National Trust, including the Long Lythe, the wooded valley through which we will approach the village. The pub stop will be at the Selborne Arms.
There will be little rest after the pub stop as shortly after setting off again we climb to the top of Selborne Hill, the highest point on the walk. Our route will be slightly eased though by the zig-zag path up the hill, built by Gilbert White and his brother in 1753. After this, it’s time to turn north and head back towards Alton. Passing through woods and fields, we first reach Upper Farringdon. Here the walk enters true Jane Austen country, as the section we will now follow from Upper Farringdon to Chawton was reputedly one of her favourite walks. Entering Chawton past Chawton House and St Nicholas’s Church, we will hopefully reunite with the rest of the group outside Jane Austen’s House, and re-enter Alton via the appropriately named Writer’s Way. If there is a long wait for the train, we can head to the Railway Arms pub in Alton.
Travel details
By public transport
If travelling from Reading by train, please take the 9:20 service for Redhill, getting off at North Camp at 09:52 and walking the short distance to Ash Vale. From there, take the 10:14 to Alton, arriving at 10:39. The walk leader intends to travel on this train – if it is delayed the start of the walk will be as well.
We are aware of the train drivers' overtime ban announced for this day – the above trains are listed as running in the amended timetable, but please check on our group website or Meetup for updates in the event of any further disruption (we're unlikely to be able to update this page "on the go").
(You can also stay on the first train to Ash, changing there for a train to Aldershot and picking up the Alton train there if you prefer, but that's an extra train leg on which to risk disruption.)
By car
Pay-by-app parking is available at the station. Please note that Reading to Alton is only about 25 miles and the drive takes around 45 minutes in clear traffic. If you decide to drive instead of taking the train, please be prepared to offer lifts to others.
Notes
Alton Station
