Discover Winchester with five of the best short walks
Winchester, now a city in Hampshire on the edge of the South Downs National Park, was the ancient capital of England at the heart of Wessex, the Anglo-Saxon kingdom. Walking here is accessible for many, with relatively flat terrain and suitable for year-round strolls. Plus, experience the city's rich history and heritage, as well as its influence on literary figures such as Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, and Charles Dickens. Here are five short walks to get you started exploring this historic city.
15 Short Walks Winchester
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Winchester and central Hampshire. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on beauty spots and refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
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The best walk to visit Winchester Cathedral...
What: Winchester Cathedral, St Cross and Tun Bridge
Summary: An enjoyable stroll exploring Winchester and its pivotal place in the history of England
Start/finish: King Alfred’s statue in the Broadway
Time: 1¾hr
Distance: 7km (4¼ miles)
Climb: 20m
This circular walk encapsulates the history of Winchester, including King Alfred’s statue, the Cathedral, the Church of St Swithun, the Clarendon Way, the 12th-century Hospital of St Cross, St Catherine’s Hill, the 18th-century Itchen Navigation, Tun Bridge and the ruins of Wolvesey Castle. This walk passes the house where Jane Austen spent the final months of her life in 1817.
The best walk to visit a hill fort and the area's Victorian heritage...
What: St Catherine's Hill, Hockley Viaduct and Kingsgate
Summary: This easy amble includes the ruins of medieval Wolvesey Castle, an Iron Age hill fort and unique Victorian industrial heritage.
Start/finish: King Alfred’s statue in the Broadway
Time: 2hr
Distance: 7.5km (4¾ miles)
Climb: 10m
Wolvesey Castle, the Itchen Navigation, St Catherine’s Hill Iron Age hill fort, the former railway viaduct at Hockley, and historic Kingsgate all feature in this fascinating circular walk from Winchester city centre. It spans more than 2000 years of history, ranging from a time before the Romans arrived, through the turbulent Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods, and culminating in the illustrious Victorian era.
The best walk to experience the South Downs National Park...
What: Chilcomb and the South Downs Way
Summary: Straightforward walk along part of the South Downs Way to the chalk downland village of Chilcomb in the South Downs National Park
Start/finish: King Alfred’s statue in the Broadway
Time: 2hr
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 75m
This out-and-back walk takes you for part of the first stage of the South Downs Way from Winchester to the downland village of Chilcomb with its Grade 1 listed 12th-century flint church . Initially, you follow the River Itchen towards Wolvesey Castle, then head through the eastern part of the city and on to Chilcomb along the top edge of a sweeping downland field with far-reaching views.
The best walk to visit a quintessential Hampshire village...
What: Itchen Abbas, Martyr Worthy, Easton and Avington
Summary: Meadows, woodland, the sparkling River Itchen and stunning Avington Park.
Start/finish: St John the Baptist, Itchen Abbas
Time: 1¾hr
Distance: 7km (4¼ miles)
Climb: 65m
This circular walk explores a series of charming thatched villages. Following the Itchen Way, you begin in Itchen Abbas and wander through sloping meadows to the hamlet of Chilland, where the River Itchen is in full flow, before continuing to Martyr Worthy. After crossing the Itchen, you arrive in the village of Easton. Avington House, set in glorious parkland, dramatically presents itself as you make your way back to Itchen Abbas.
The best walk on a former water meadow...
What: Wherwell and Chilbolton Cow Common
Summary: This walk showcases pastoral England at its very best as you cross the River Test and wander through Chilbolton Cow Common
Start/finish: Wherwell sports field car park, just past the primary school
Time: 1¼hr
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Climb: 25m
This circular walk starts near a channel of the River Test and continues slightly uphill through Wherwell to Chilbolton Cow Common . After completing a circuit of the common, you return to Wherwell, passing the entrance to the site of the former AngloSaxon monastery Wherwell Abbey, destroyed in the 16th century.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks - Winchester. Other highlights include City Mill, St Giles Hill, Wolvesey Castle, Easton, and Stockbridge Down. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
