10 of our favourite walking routes for you to explore
Where is your favourite place to walk in Winchester? We have 10 of our favourite routes for you to explore – have you discovered them all?
1. Enjoy the sunset
If you are in the centre of the city take a walk up to St Giles Hill and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city below. The journey to get there will take you up a steep hill, but the views will be well worth the trek. If you can make the journey at sunset you won’t be disappointed.
2. Walk along a restored local landmark
Walk out of the city centre, past St Catherine’s Hill, until you reach the Hockley Viaduct. This was once part of the railway connecting Didcot to Southampton but it has now been restored for cyclists and walkers to enjoy. Take in the scenic views from this restored local landmark. Visit the Handle Bar café along the way for some refreshments.
3. An accessible trail for everyone to enjoy
Winchester is a historic city so the streets can be narrow or uneven making it more challenging for visitors with wheelchairs or pushchairs to explore. If the streets can cause some difficulty discover some of Winchester’s historic and beautiful landmarks along the Accessible trail.
4. Enjoy the nature in Bishop’s Waltham
Visit the market town of Bishop’s Waltham and explore the nature trail starting the in centre of town and venturing out to the surrounding countryside. Visit the local nature reserve and see what wildlife you can discover.
5. Be inspired by literary greats
If you are starting in the city centre make your way out to St Cross and walk in the footsteps of John Keats. This route, which takes you through Winchester Cathedral Close out to the water meadows, was a daily route for Keats and inspired his ‘Ode to Autumn’.
6. Explore the countryside from some of our favourite novels
In 1809 Jane Austen, with her mother and sister, moved into a house in Chawton – now the Jane Austen House Museum. Here she wrote, revised and had published all of her novels. Explore the countryside Austen walked and loved. Why not enjoy the circular route taking you past Chawton House, previously owned by Jane Austen’s brother, to Farringdon and back to Chawton.
7. Wander around Alresford
Alresford is a beautiful, tranquil market town not far from Winchester City Centre. Host of one of Hampshire’s finest street scenes, this Georgian town is steeped in history. Take a walk through the heart of Alresford before following the river and exploring the wildlife and surrounding countryside.
8. Take an adventure into the South Downs National Park
Are you looking for an adventure? Have a go at walking the South Downs Way – or may be just a portion of it. With its picturesque wildlife and sweeping panoramic view you will not be disappointed. Start you adventure at the Winchester City Mill – gateway to the South Downs National Park.
9. Get back to nature
The Winnall Moors Nature Reserve boasts woodland, meadows full of wildflowers and a beautiful chalk stream right in the centre of the city. Follow the paths throughout to enjoy this picturesque tranquil haven full of wildlife.
10. Take a walk through history
How much do you know about the Battle of Cheriton? A turning point in the English Civil War, this battle took place right in the Winchester district. Take a walk around the Cheriton Battlefield and discover where history was made. Find out more here.