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1
The route starts at Alton Sports Centre car park and the 64 bus stops nearby. Proceed along the tarmac path leading from the car park, past the Jubilee Skate Park, to the other end of the playing field. Pass in front of the Cricket pavilion and exit the pavilion car park to the right, following the road going sharply right, until you see a footpath sign on the left. Follow the path as it ascends up a wooded track, with a view of fields to your left.
 2
At the top of the path, pass through the gap in the wooden fence and turn left, following the footpath sign. Continue to follow the yellow footpath signs through the wood, ignoring any left or right turnings. Notice the mixture of trees in this ancient wood. You might spot deer if you are quiet! Remains of the ancient deer park paling – built in mediaeval times to keep the deer in the forest – are still visible in places.
 3
At the end of the path, you will descend gently to a small car park. The Forestry England sign notifies you that you have emerged into the entrance to Bushy Leaze Wood. Turn right onto Medstead Road using the clearly marked pedestrian walkway along the righthand side of the road.
 4
After approximately 600 yards look for a gap between houses and a footpath sign on the left. Take the path as it gently ascends, crossing the recreation ground and follow the path to Wellhouse Road. Turn left and stay on the road until you reach a bridleway, on the right. Turn up the bridleway and follow it until you reach Wivelrod Road.
 5
Turn right onto Wivelrod Road and continue along it until you reach Thedden Grange driveway on the right. A few metres further along the road take the footpath passing Thedden Grange on your right. Thedden Grange has historic associations with Jane Austen. It was bought in 1809 by Admiral Lawrence Halsted on whose ship, Namur, Jane’s brother Charles served. The house was visited by Jane’s niece, Fanny, who described its grounds as delightful.
 6
Leaving Thedden Grange behind, you will emerge onto a straight track crossing open farmland. Cross Snode Hill and continue straight, entering Thedden Copse. Proceed through the copse until you reach a clearing bordering the A339 Basingstoke Road. Take care crossing this busy road to Warren Farm entrance.
 7
Take the signed footpath to the right of the metal farm gate and proceed diagonally across the field. Follow the path until you reach a set of steps on the left, which take you up into the Great Wood. Follow the path as it winds through the wood, up a gentle incline.
 8
Follow the track as it bends to the left and emerges onto an open field and continue along the side of a field, until you reach steps on the left that will take you down to Brick Kiln Lane. Northanger Hill is on your left if you want to take a detour to take-in a view of the town. Turn right down the lane and follow it as it brings you down the hill towards Basingstoke Road.
 9
As you approach Basingstoke Road you will see the Hopfields Housing development on your left and you can catch a glimpse of the northern source of the River Wey. Carefully cross Basingstoke Road and walk up High Ridge opposite to the top T-junction, where you will see a gap between the houses and a footpath leading straight on. Follow the path to the junction with another path. Turn right. Keep on the path until it emerges onto Whitedown Lane. Take the footpath opposite going through a clump of trees until you Pertuis Avenue, named to reflect Alton’s twinning with Pertuis in France. Cross the road and walk up the path into Ackender Woods.
 10
Keep to the left forestry path, ignoring the footpath sign and following it as it ascends through the wood. After just under half a mile, you will see a hexagonal brick built disused water tower on your left. Take the narrow path on your left towards the water tower, and you will pass what was once the perimeter of Treloar Hospital site. Pass to the right of the water tower and follow the path back to the gap in the wooden fence you passed under point 2. Retrace your steps from point 1 to return to the car park.
