Meet the leaders at 10am at Eastleigh Station car park, SO50 9FJ.
Walking in the footsteps of the naturalist Chris Packham on his, “Walk that made me,” along the banks of the Itchen river from Eastleigh in Hampshire to Winchester Cathedral. We amble along tree lined, clear chalk streams and the Itchen navigation. There will be an al-fresco coffee stop late morning, then lunch at a village cafe, or picnic in a church yard.
In the afternoon we depart from Chris Packham’s route to walk up Twyford Down, joining the Pilgrim’s Trail, and then, ascending steeply, St Catherine’s Hill, a site of special scientific interest and a scheduled monument upon which is an Iron Age hill-fort, a maze, and the buried ruins of the 12th century chapel of St Catherine. From here there are stunning views to Winchester and beyond. After descending the hill we enter the ancient city of Winchester, finishing at the cathedral (Est 5pm). Returning from Winchester to cars at Eastleigh (Est 6pm).
Pre-booking required by latest 7pm on Friday 4th August.
Update: The walk on Saturday 5 August has been re-scheduled for Sunday 6 August due to weather conditions.