The BWs walk the South Downs Way, Part 1: Winchester to Exton (BOOKING REQUIRED)

Walk details

We will begin at the starting point of the South Downs Way in the heart of Winchester. The first leg of the walking route takes us past Winchester Cathedral and out of the city, through the quaint village of Chilcomb. Once out of the city the trail is straight into gently rolling countryside with a mix of large arable fields, hedgerows and pasture. After Chilcomb we will begin the first small climb to Cheesefoot Head – a beautiful spot with spectacular views out towards the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The route then descends down into Exton where this first stretch of the Way ends with a pub stop at The Shoe Inn.

This is part of a series of walks where the Berkshire Walkers will be covering the South Downs Way in weekend sections in 2024. 

Please note: there is no public transportation from the end point in the village of Exton. It is a 20-minute ride by taxi back to Winchester train station, or you may organise your own accommodation overnight if you wish to join for Day 2!

Travel details

By public transport

From Reading, take the 09:10 train to Basingstoke (arriv. 09:37), change and get the 09:49 train to Winchester (arriv. 10:04) - 54 mins

From Wokingham, take the 08:46 train to Reading and follow the transport detail as above.

From Didcot, take the 08:45 train to Reading and follow the transport detail as above.

Please note: there is no public trainsport at the end of this walk in Exton. You will need to get a taxi back to Winchester or organise your own accommodation if staying overnight for Part 2 on Sunday.

By car

You may park in Winchester at the start of the route. As this is a linear walk, you will need to get a taxi back from Exton at the end.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
• Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

• This walk is limited to 26 walkers including the walk leader
• Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
• Book a place on this walk via Meetup (see Website link).
• Please see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/