Walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen: Winchester

Walk details

By 1817, Jane Austen had published four novels (anonymously), and had completed two more. However, her health was failing, and in March she had to stop writing. In May she moved from Chawton to Winchester for treatment; and on 18th July, in a rented house at 8 College Street, she died, aged only 41. She was buried in Winchester Cathedral - her epitaph mentions “extraordinary endowments of her mind” but not her status as a writer. 

The first part of the walk takes us through the historic city centre of Winchester, past the King Alfred statue and the City Hall, to reach the banks of the River Itchen for the first time in the walk. We will then climb to the top of St Catherine’s Hill enjoying the views back across the city and the cathedral. Continuing on to Twyford Down and returning to the Itchen for the last stretch, we reach the village of Shawford and the pub stop at the Bridge Inn.  

At this point, approximately 6 miles into the walk, it is possible to drop out and return to Winchester from Shawford station. On a Sunday, trains run hourly. 

Continuing on from the pub, we cross Compton Down and join the Clarendon Way, with more views of Winchester Cathedral. We pass the Hospital of St Cross and return to the centre of Winchester through the Water Meadows by the Itchen, and past the famous college. We’ll finish the walk by passing the house at 8 College Street, where Jane Austen died, and wind up outside the cathedral. A new statue of Austen to mark her 250th anniversary will have been unveiled in the cathedral close three days before the walk. Winchester Cathedral is also hosting a Jane Austen exhibition, which will finish on the day of the walk. However, the cathedral closes to visitors at 3pm on Sundays, so anyone who wants to visit would probably have to drop out at Shawford to have any chance of making it in time. 

Travel details

By public transport

Please catch the 10.12 train from Reading, changing at Basingstoke, if coming by train. The walk leader intends to travel on these trains, if it is delayed, the start of the walk will be as well. 

By car

For those driving, parking is available in central Winchester. The closest to the walk start are at the station itself, Gladstone Street, and Tower Street. 

Dogs

Dogs welcome on this walk, provided they are kept under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.

Please see our dogs policy on our group website for more details.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

Please see our group website for more information: https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/