Petlip one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Petlip here.

I walked this route from Liphook to Petersfield, both towns have ample ammenities including train stations which allowed me to travel between the two.

I really enjoyed this slow way on what was a mild and sunny February day. It has been dry over the past few weeks, so I had no issues with mud. I agree with previous reviewers that there could be places which would become very muddy, but I don't feel they would be impassable, as long as you have decent footwear.

The majority of bridleways and byways were a real pleasure to walk, through a variety of woodland and even some SSSI sites. Rake Hanger was a particular highlight for me.

Rake seemed a like a decent mid-route stopping place with a few places to re-supply if required. Pavements are bit patchy through the village so I had to walk on a wide verge for some of it.

I also agree with some of the previous reveiwers comments regarding road crossings. Here are my takes on them:

- I found the first crossing at the (formerly) Black Fox Inn fine. Approaching from the Liphook end, there is a walkable verge which allows you to position yourself far enough away from the blind bend to safely cross. Just listen for traffic...

- I agree that a slight change to the route to avoid some of the B2070 on the approach to Rake would be more sensible. However, it's minor so does not warrant a new route submissions. As others have said, just utilise the road alongside the primary school to approach Rake, rather than having to cross and walk along the busy B road.

- The walk along Harting Combe Road (south of Hill Brow) was the least walking friendly section of the route for me. Although quieter than a B-road, walking the route this way round meant a short uphill section with a couple of blind bends. Again, listening for traffic is key, and switching sides of the road to improve visibility made me feel safer. Only a short section so not a game-changer.

Overall, a very good slow way that should be part of the verified network.

I enjoyed this route although it has more hills than some of the others. It follows a mix of the Serpent Trail and Sussex Border Path, but you need to be careful as you keep swapping and need to be ready to turn off onto other footpaths too.
Although there is some tarmac, there is a lot more trail and in wet weather it will be muddy.
I ran this during a heat wave and enjoyed how shady it was for the most part (early morning). Just the first part across the fields, and crossing the golf course is full sun.
Although there is a small bridge near the start, that might be harder if on wheels, the rest of it shouldn't really be a problem.
I diverted slightly from the B2070 at Rake, going down the the unnamed road by Rake Primary School and taking the first right to get to Chapel Common, rather than risk the B2070.
The crossing of the B2070 at what was the Black Fox Inn is on a blind corner so care is needed here.
Otherwise a nice run, if a little uneven under foot.

Generally this is a good route, but there are a couple of points where a slight modification would make it safer to walk, as there are a few road sections / crossing points that are a bit dangerous or tricky.

I walked the majority of this route in August after a few dry days, but would warn that parts of it will be very wet and muddy in winter and after rain.

Although parts of it follow bridleway routes, there are a number of gates, a narrow bridge and other obstacles that would make the route difficult to wheel.

There are refreshment stops at Durleighmarsh (Farm Shop and Cafe), Rake (Pub, Garden Centre) as well as Petersfield and Liphook.

Be careful on the road section from SU 78993 26071 - as there is very little visibility around the corner for approaching cars. It might be possible to avoid this by changing the route slightly.

Another tricky road crossing is the section of B2070 opposite Rake Primary School to the Chapel Common turn-off, as you need to cross the busy road, just as the dual carriageway starts. A slight route change along the side road at SU 80865 27979 might be preferable.

The final road crossing to be careful at is at the Fox Inn pub (SU 82972 29052), as there is no visibility of south-bound traffic on this blind bend. A better alternative might be to use the footpath opposite the Fox Inn, although that will make the route a little longer.

With these notable exceptions, it is a lovely route through a mixture of woodland and open countryside.

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