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Winchester Group

We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

Part of the Winchester Walking Weekend 2024.

Heading south from the cathedral, we'll climb St Catherine's Hill for fine views, visit an historic viaduct and pass St Cross Hospital.

We begin by walking down to the River Itchen, passing Jane Austen's final home and Winchester College. The route is then on the east side of the river and along the bed of the disused railway line. Depending on the weather conditions, there will be a steep ascent of St Catherine's Hill to see the wonderful view over Winchester.

The steep descent is via wooden steps (reputedly 333 of them)! The route continues south along the old railway line to view the splendid disused viaduct over the river. Crossing the river, the walk continues past St Cross Hospital and then back into Winchester beside the river, passing Winchester College and its playing fields.

It is possible to catch a bus back from near St Cross.

Friday, 14 June 2024
Start time:
6:00 pm
Estimated finish time:
8:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
8.9km / 5.5mi
Ascent:
60m / 197ft
Type:
circular

Please note the following:

  • For this walk, all participants, including Ramblers, need to book through Eventbrite using the link above.
  • Any walkers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The minimum age to join this walk is 16.
  • Please wear appropriate footwear and clothes according to the weather and length of walk and don't forget sun and rain protection.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
  • Transport: There is no parking on site and we recommend you use one of the Park and Rides. Winchester bus and rail stations are a short walk from the cathedral.
  • Unfortunately, none of the planned walks will be wheelchair-accessible.
  • Your walk will be led by an experienced Ramblers Walk Leader from the local area.
  • Your walk will finish at the cathedral.
  • All walks will have a snack stop or two, to be decided by the walk leader. Please bring your own drinks and snacks, appropriate to the length of the walk. There are no planned stops at pubs, cafés or shops.
  • It's unlikely that the walk will pass any public conveniences, so it's a good idea to use toilets near the cathedral beforehand - at St Maurice's Covert/Market Lane and Abbey Gardens).

Features

  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 48139 29321
Nearest postcode:
SO23 9ES
what3words:
husky.ambushes.cascaded
Start time:
6:00 pm

The Ramblers stand near the The King's Royal Rifle Corps War Memorial, in front of the cathedral.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking