Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas Circular Walk
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 Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Shoulder of Mutton Hill and Edward Thomas Open Street Map 
- 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
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
Path at the bottom of Shoulder of Mutton Hill
Wessex 100 competitors ascending Oakshott Hangers
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Hangers Way (Hawkley to Petersfield section) Stile 7
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Long distance walkers between Cheesecombe Farm and Middle Oakshott Farm
Cottages on The Green at Hawkley