5 + miles at Easton

The walk wanders down the Itchen Valley, passing three of the four Valley churches, and zig zagging across the river.  The walk seems to be variously referred to as the Itchen Way, the Allan King Way, St Swithun's Way, the Pilgrims Way and the Camino Ingles to Santiago de Compostela (where we will definitely call a banana stop).

We start by crossing the river from Easton to Martyr Worthy passing St Swithun's Church, then follow the Itchen upstream with some stunning views across the valley, eventually arriving at St John's Church Itchen Abbas. There was originally a Saxon Church here, which was replaced by a Norman one in 1092. This was demolished in 1862, after nearly 8 centuries and replaced with the current version which still incorporates the Norman Chancel Arch. The last person in England to be hanged for horse stealing was buried in the churchyard here by special dispensation from the Bishop.

We cross back across the river at Avington, passing the Avington Estate on our right. Proceeding through the village we pass St Marys Church, looping back towards Easton and gaining great views of the Manor House across the lake. We cross back over the Itchen and follow the valley once again, eventually crossing yet again back to Easton.