A line of hikers in a summer landscape

Winchester Ramblers

 

Where we walk

Our walks cover some of southern England’s most beautiful landscapes. We’re based in Winchester but walk all over Hampshire – including the South Downs, the Itchen and Test river valleys, and the New Forest.

We also venture further afield to Dorset, Wiltshire, and even London. Members also organise walking holidays in the UK and abroad.

When we walk

We usually offer walks on four days each week:

  • Monday – Longer and more challenging walks

  • Tuesday – Short, sociable walks from The Bell in St Cross – ideal if you’re new or unsure about fitness

  • Thursday – Our main walking day, with walks at a range of distances and paces

  • Sunday – Walks in the 7–10 mile range, exploring Hampshire’s glorious countryside

New to walking?

You’re welcome to try up to three walks with us before joining the Ramblers. Just book a place via the link in the walk description.

Once you're a member, you can sign up for email alerts to hear about new walks and events.

Campaigning and protecting the countryside

We work hard to look after the places we walk:

  • We successfully campaigned with cycling and equestrian groups for better countryside access across the M3 as part of improvements at Junction 9.

  • Our “PathWatchers” volunteers keep a close eye on the state of the local footpath network.

  • We’ve recently added new tools to help with vegetation clearance and maintenance of much-loved paths. 

Events and extras

As well as our regular walking programme we organise some special events across the year.

Winchester Walking Weekend

 Danny Chambers MP talks to group of walkers at Winchester Walking Weekend 2025

In June, we hosted our second Walking Weekend, with 17 walks exploring the city and surrounding countryside. We'll be back over the weekend of 19-21 June 2026.

Celebrating Jane Austen

Man in Regency costume leading a group of walkers

Jane Austen spent her early and final years in Hampshire – from Steventon to Chawton to Winchester. In early August, we marked her 250th anniversary with themed walks exploring her life and landscapes.

Buy Our Walking Booklet

Our popular booklet “14 Walks in and around Winchester” is available from the Winchester Visitor Information Centre.

It includes:

  • 6 walks starting from the Guildhall (2 are pushchair-friendly!)

  • 7 more accessible by public transport

Come and Join Us

Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, discover new places, or meet new people, you'll find a warm welcome here.

 

 

 

 

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

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