Conquer Shoulder of Mutton Hill, Ashford Hangers, Steep
Of all the places I have explored, Shoulder of Mutton Hill is my favourite – it’s also the place I visit most often. I love the climb, I love the views and I love the surrounding Ashford Hangers.
Ashford Hangers
The Ashford Hangers is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.
Shoulder of Mutton Hill
This is the view from the top of Shoulder of Mutton Hill and it is every bit as spectacular as people say.
The stone you can see is a memorial to the poet Edward Thomas, who lived in this area from 1906 to 1916.
Where to Next?
From Shoulder of Mutton Hill you can continue on to Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill
or back down to Lutcombe Pond and Ashford Stream.
Finding Shoulder of Mutton Hill
There are different ways to reach Shoulder of Mutton Hill and the top of the Ashford Hangers but these are the three routes I use, all of which involve climbs:
Route 1: From Lutcombe Pond:
From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, keeping Lutcombe Pond on your right.
Keep walking straight up the hill and when you are nearly at the top, you come to these steps.
Follow this path all the way to Shoulder of Mutton Hill.
Route 2: From Lutcombe Pond Using the Little Bridge:
From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, but this time cross the little bridge and keep Lutcombe Pond on your left.
Follow the path to the right and you come to these steps, which are at the foot of Shoulder of Mutton Hill.
A short but very steep climb will take you all the way to the top.
Route 3: From Ashford Farm:
From the car park at GU32 1AB,
follow the path as it leads up the hangers.
After a climb and some twists and turns, you will find yourself at these stairs and Wheatham Hill.
Continue on this fairly flat path and Shoulder of Mutton hill is a little further on and on the left.
Visit the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AA or GU32 1AB
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None
How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: The first path from the car park to the pond is buggy friendly but the paths quickly become steep and uneven afterwards.
Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) on Ashford Lane. There is also an area where cars park to the side of Ashford Farm (GU32 1AA).
Cost of Parking: Free
Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, other insects and birds.
Information Written: January 2024
Ratings
Our visit to Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield (including Lutcombe Pond, Ashford Stream, Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill and Shoulder of Mutton Hill) is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
-
Fun
-
Condition
-
Value
-
Would We Go Back
Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
