Winchester, Shawford & Olivers Battery - Winchester Walking Weekend Walk - 9 Miles

A walk from the centre of Winchester as part of the Winchester Walking Weekend.

Starting out from the front of Winchester Cathedral we will make our way along a stretch of the Itchen Way through the Water Meadows to Shawford where we will turn westwards up Shawford Down and towards Compton Down before heading back towards the centre of Winchester via the edge of Olivers Battery.

On the return from Shawford we will pass the historic St Cross Hospital founded in the 12th Century then on past Winchester College founded in 1382, then passing the house where Jane Austen spent her final days before returning to Winchester Cathedral.

There is some reasonable undulation near Shawford and Olivers Battery so a level of walking fitness is required with the rest of the walk on reasonably flat ground.

Distance is 9 miles

There will be a lunch stop approximately 1.5 hours into the walk and a couple of other shorter breaks during the walk. There is a cafe at Shawford Station where refreshments can be purchased if required.

There is plenty of public parking in Winchester City Centre or alternatively there are various Park & Ride sites where the full day charge is £3.50.