RICHARD WILLIAMSON Country Walk...Hangers Way

I very much enjoyed this walk on the Sussex/Hampshire border from Buriton to Petersfield and back.

For most of the 7.5km (4.5 miles) you are in an almost medieval landscape of old oaks, streams, meadows and most of the time in sight of the South Downs.

So, park at SU740200 next to the big duck pond in Buriton and next to the church of St Mary.

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Note one old female yew tree in yard. Mallard and moorhens on pond, all expecting handouts.

North-east along road for 200m noting the white house made of lower chalk bedrock called clunch, then left on wooden finger post on to Hangers Way tarmac road until at The Hop Kiln turn sharp right and bear left past the lock-up garages through kissing gate.

You now follow Hangers Way valley path all the way to Petersfield. It is a lovely walk along the valley side on a solid path.

On the left edge of the pathway some unusual wild plants such as common catsear, cinqufoil, sorrel, autumn hawkbit, cut-leaved mallow, common dog violets in autumn bloom, and bird’sfoot trefoil.

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Pass remains of an ancient hollow oak somebody had set fire to once.

The only blot on this landscape is the sewage works with its cheap cloying scent that caught in my throat.

But soon past this necessary evil you’re back in the old times with the woodland of Hoadlands Crundle (Old English hap-leah – heather covered; crundel – hollowed hill). This woodland is old coppice with neglected underplantings.

The way becomes muddy and marshy now so hope you have footwear to match. The said hollow soon comes into view as a healthy little pond.

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Cross meadows, footbridge over stream near Bolinge Hill (O.E. Bolum – plank bridge from bole of tree) when you now follow a line of alders north to modern caravan site. Note old greenfinches’ and pigeons’ nests in new hawthorn hedge.

Hangers Way is sign posted along Petersfield pavements to crossroad past Tesco’s where turn right along pavement for 200m finding green footpath sign to ‘Buriton 3’ on right.

This meadow path goes south three footbridges over small streams, past specimen oaks scattered everywhere as in old parkland.

Eventually climb through Nursted copse and cross open field. Note how Victorian planting of rhododendron, beech, Scots pine and oaks as shelter for the big house.

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Old railings caused a lightning conductor for one oak that ripped off bark all down one side. Terrific views of Butser right.

Now join the road back to Buriton, finding a footpath left, at Buriton House, soon finding the Morris in clunch abode.