We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and slightly older, offering led walks and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
A weekend away following the westernmost part of the South Downs Way, taking in the beautiful countryside and open views of the South Downs National Park.
We will base ourselves in the historic city of Winchester and walk the trail from Butser Hill back to Winchester over 3 days.
This weekend is fully flexible; you are welcome to join for whichever walks or meals you like.
Organiser: Martin B
Booking
Booking opens: 7pm, Monday 19th May
The weekend is exclusive to current (paid-up) members of the Ramblers. Space is limited to 16 people. Book your place by clicking the ‘Attend’ button on the Stag Walkers Meetup event page (if the event is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available).
The usual Stag Walkers booking policy applies: please book only if confident you can attend and remember to update your RSVP if you have to cancel, and DON’T NO-SHOW unless it is absolutely unavoidable. If you no-show three times, without extenuating circumstances, we will decline further bookings from you for a period of six weeks.
Thursday 25th September – Central Winchester (4.5 miles, Leisurely)
Meet at 4.30pm outside The Great Hall, Castle Avenue, Winchester, SO23 8UJ (what3words: tram.paddock.rope)
Our trip begins with a short early evening walk around Winchester, taking in a number of points of historical interest. We will finish by climbing St. Catherine’s Hill to take in a fabulous view of the city.
Friday 26th September - East Meon to Butser Hill (9 miles, Moderate)
Meet at 10.10am at Winchester Bus Station – stand F (what3words: agenda.wheat.toasted) – to catch the no. 67 bus, which leaves at 10.20am
We set off from the quiet village of East Meon, following leafy lanes and bridleways to the outskirts of Ramsdean Down. We will then ascend Butser Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. We will stop here for our packed lunches. Café and toilet facilities are available.
After lunch, we join the South Downs Way, which we follow westwards towards the outskirts of Hyden Wood. We will then be treated to further views as we climb Salt Hill. Next, we follow the trail northwards before looping back round to the starting point at East Meon, where there should be time for a pub stop before catching the bus back to Winchester.
Saturday 27th September - East Meon to Cheriton (13.5 miles, Moderate)
Meet at 8:50am at Winchester Bus Station – stand F (what3words: agenda.wheat.toasted) – to catch the no. 67 bus, which leaves at 9:00am
From East Meon, we rejoin the trail where we left off on Friday. We pass the attractive Whitewool Pond before ascending Old Winchester Hill, which commands magnificent views of the area. We then follow the trail westwards towards the small, but characterful village of Exton, where we will stop for a quick drink at a local pub.
Refreshed, we will rejoin the trail and climb Beacon Hill and visit its viewpoint. We will stop here for our packed lunches. In the afternoon we descend north-westwards, in countryside all the way until reaching the picturesque village of Cheriton, from where we will catch the bus back to Winchester.
Sunday 28th September – New Alresford to Winchester (10.5 miles, Moderate)
Meet at 9:10am at The Broadway – stand 5 (what3words: staple.sideboard.frame) – to catch the no. 64 bus, which leaves at 9:20am
For our final day, we initially follow closely the Itchen Way from New Alresford to Cheriton, before rejoining the South Downs Way, west of Cheriton.
From the trail, it should be possible to spot an offroad racing track in the valley and the intriguing bowl-shaped Temple Valley, used in the Second World War as an area where entertainment was provided to American troops stationed locally.
We will stop for lunch just after Cheesefoot Head with an excellent view of Fawley Down in front of us. The walk then criss-crosses fields, passing through the village of Chilcomb before entering Winchester. We finish with a short section along the River Itchen before reaching the official end point of the trail at Winchester City Mill.
Accommodation
Once you have booked onto this weekend away on Meetup, please make your own arrangements for accommodation. Winchester has a wide range of hotel, B&B and Airbnb accommodation. There are also camping options a short drive from the city.
Transport
Winchester is approximately 90 minutes drive from Hitchin on a clear run and accessible by train (approximately one hour from London, with a regular service). If driving, please consider car-sharing with other members.
Meals
We will meet up for evening meals on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (further details will be provided nearer the time of the trip). Alternatively, you are welcome to make your own arrangements for dinner if you prefer.
Any questions?
If you've not been to a Stag Walkers weekend away before, they are a great chance to explore somewhere new and to spend some time socialising with other members of the group.
If you have any questions about the weekend, please post on the Meetup event page.
About the organisers
This event is hosted by Stag Walkers - we are a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s and 30s but all are welcome and we have members of all ages. We run weekly walks, on Saturdays or Sundays, varying in length from around 5 to 15 miles, and we host regular social nights. Walks and socials generally take place across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and south Cambridgeshire.
For details of how to join the Ramblers and how much it costs please see our website.
See individual walk details for meeting locations and public transport details.
