Hangers Way

Long Distance Trail · Hampshire

Hangers Way

From Alton through the steep, wooded Hampshire Hangers and the village of Selborne to Queen Elizabeth Country Park, where it meets the South Downs Way.

21Miles
34Km
847 mAscent

Walking the Hangers Way is a beautiful way to explore the rolling hills and countryside of Hampshire, in southern England. The trail is approximately 21 miles (34 km) long and can be completed in one or two days depending on your pace and level of fitness.

The Hangers Way starts in the market town of Alton, Hampshire, and follows a mixture of paths, tracks and quiet country lanes, passing through picturesque villages and historic sites, including Selborne, home of the naturalist Gilbert White. It takes walkers through the Hampshire Hangers, the series of steep-sided hills that give the route its name, and finishes at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, where it meets the South Downs Way National Trail and links to the Staunton Way, which proceeds to the coast at Langstone Harbour.

The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including ancient woodlands, chalk downlands and rolling fields, and offers the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, deer and wildflowers.

Accommodation options along the trail are limited, with a few campsites and B&Bs available in the nearby towns and villages. There are also a few pubs and cafes along the way, providing opportunities for refreshments and rest.

Overall, walking the Hangers Way is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Hampshire. The LDWA grades the route as challenging, with steep climbs and descents on the hangers.

Hangers Way at a Glance

  • StartAlton, Hampshire (SU723397)
  • FinishQueen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire (SU720188)
  • Length34 km / 21 miles
  • Typical duration1-2 days
  • Total ascent847 m (LDWA profile, covering 32.9 km)
  • Highest point245 m
  • Openedtbc
  • WaymarkGreen and white named discs with tree on hill
  • LDWA attributesChallenging, Downland/Wolds
  • OS Landranger186, 197
  • OS Explorer8, 33, 144
  • LeafletHampshire County Council (2004), PDF
  • Strip mapHangers Way: Alton to Queen Elizabeth Country Park (ZigZag, Yellow Publications, 2026)
  • Connects withE9 (Plymouth to Dover), South Downs Way, Staunton Way, St Swithun’s Way, Shipwrights Way, Rother Valley Walks, Games Way, Pilgrims’ Way, Serpent Trail, Writers’ Way

Walks

Walks on the Hangers Way

Map - Hangers Way
Map of the Hangers Way
Route map

Hangers Way Interactive Map

Route map for Hangers Way by Matt Austin on plotaroute.com

Maps

OS Maps for the Hangers Way

Reading

Hangers Way Related Books

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