Riverside Paths and Rolling Downs | 10.5 miles (Walking Weekend)

A lovely walk south of Winchester with fine views over the downs, returning up the Itchen valley.

From Winchester Cathedral we make our way through the picturesque water meadows to the ancient Hospital of St Cross, then follow the Clarendon Way up to and along Whiteshute Ridge with views back to Winchester. From there we head up to Yew Hill on Compton Down, where we can enjoy the view towards St Catherine’s Hill, before continuing to Shawford Down for a picnic lunch with more far reaching views over Twyford.  We return to Winchester along the Itchen Navigation, passing St Catherine’s Hill.
 

The route uses tracks, footpaths, and a quiet road through housing. The Itchen navigation path can be muddy in places if wet, so poles may be helpful if you use them. There will be 600 feet of ascent.

There will be coffee/snack stop in the morning and a picnic lunch stop, so please remember to bring a packed lunch, drinks and snacks as required.