The phrase "hedged about by" suggests being surrounded or enclosed by something, and there are several synonyms that can be used in its place. One possible replacement is "encircled by," which implies being surrounded in a circular manner. Another option is "surrounded by," which is a more general term for being enclosed by something. "Bordered by" or "encompassed by" could also be used to describe this type of situation. Alternatively, "hemmed in by" might be a more poetic option that suggests being trapped or restricted. Overall, there are many ways to express the idea of being hedged about by something, depending on the specific context and the desired connotations.