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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.

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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.

A lovely walk south of Winchester over the downs with fine views, returning along the Itchen.

From Winchester Cathedral we make our way through the picturesque water meadows to St Cross, then follow the Clarendon Way along Whiteshute Ridge. From there we head up to Yew Hill on Compton Down, where we will stop for a coffee/snack break and enjoy the view towards St Catherine’s Hill.

We then continue to Shawford Down for a picnic lunch with more far reaching views before returning to Winchester along the Itchen Navigation, passing St Catherine’s Hill.The route uses tracks, footpaths, and a quiet road through housing. 

The Itchen navigation path can be muddy in places, so poles may be helpful if you use them. Care will be needed to cross 2 busy roads. There will be 749 feet of ascent. Please remember to bring a picnic lunch, drinks and snacks as required.

 

Saturday, 21 June 2025
Start time:
10:00 am
Estimated finish time:
3:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
16.1km / 10.0mi
Ascent:
228.3m / 749ft
Type:
circular

 

Please note the following:

 

  • For this walk, we are asking everyone, including Ramblers, to book a free place using Eventbrite, so that we can keep a handle on numbers.
  • If you do find it difficult to book using the website, please contact Richard (chair@WinchesterRamblers.org.uk) who will book a place for you.

 

  • Any walkers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The minimum age to join this walk is 16.
  • Your walk will be led by an experienced Ramblers Walk Leader from the local area.
  • Your walk will finish at the cathedral.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • If your walk description says there will be a break for a drink and/or lunch, don’t forget to bring your supplies.
  • Remember to bring water to drink and if your walk description says there will be a break for refreshments and/or lunch, don’t forget to bring your supplies..
  • If you are unable to join the walk, please don't forget to cancel your place.

 

 

Features

  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport
  • No Stiles

Starting point

Grid reference:
SU 48138 29322
Nearest postcode:
SO23 9ES
what3words:
husky.ambushes.cascaded
Start time:
10:00 am

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