We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Walking the lower half of the iconic Itchen Way, from the river mouth at Southampton Water up to Winchester. This walk along a world class chalk river and the former Itchen Navigation makes for a wonderful day out, packed with natural and historic interest. The first hour takes us through suburban Southampton, past boatyards, quays and housing, before we reach parkland at Bitterne, and then water meadows and countryside for the remainder of the walk.
A second walk, 13 miles from Winchester to the source of the Itchen, is planned for Monday 18 September allowing for a complete walk of the Itchen Way.
We will start from Woolston station at 10am (for those coming from Winchester, the train leaves Winchester at 0906). There is an option to cut the walk short by leaving the walk at Eastleigh and picking up a train or bus from there, making a shorter 8 mile walk.
** Please let me know if you plan to join us at Winchester or Woolston, and which of the two distances that you plan to walk **
The route is quite over-grown, muddy in places and sometimes very uneven under foot. Long trousers and good footwear are advisable.
There are limited facilities, so you will need to bring water, snacks and a packed lunch. Toilet stops available at "The Hub" at Eastleigh (8 miles) and Shawford (13 miles).
Meet on platform 2 at Winchester Station. We need to catch the 0906 to Southampton Central, and then the 0944 from Southampton Central to Woolston. Alternatively meet at the starting point - Woolston Station at 10am
Meet at the station entrance
We will finish outside Winchester Cathedral
