The Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail

The Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail is around ten miles, or 16km and stretches from Winchester in the north, to Woodmill near Swaythling in the south. As it follows the route of a waterway, the trail is mainly flat and level, however there are some locations with stiles, gates or gradients. The walking route is well way-marked with the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail logo directional arrows on posts.

The Itchen Navigation is not a proper man-made canal, but a straightened, controlled and diverted part of the River Itchen. It has a long history, and although its industrial use ended around 150 years ago, today it provides a pleasant natural strand of waterway which is ideal for exploring and gentle exercise. It can be walked in one day if you are an experienced walker. For many people, breaking the route into smaller sections is probably more manageable.

Download a copy of the trail