Walking Winchester
Having settled into our accommodation at the University of Winchester Campus, the majority of our party met on Friday evening in time for a stroll into town and an early meal at an Italian restaurant leaving us time to embark on a 'sunset' walk around Winchester. Stopping at various points along the way to admire and read about the many historic buildings, we then climbed steps up to St Giles viewpoint which gave us a stunning view of the floodlit cathedral and city centre. Descending the hill in the gloom via an unlit flight of steps we returned to the town alongside the River Itchen and then a further one mile uphill walk back to the campus, standing us in good stead for Julian's planned 11 mile walk on Saturday.
Having settled into our accommodation at the University of Winchester Campus, the majority of our party met on Friday evening in time for a stroll into town and an early meal at an Italian restaurant leaving us time to embark on a 'sunset' walk around Winchester. Stopping at various points along the way to admire and read about the many historic buildings, we then climbed steps up to St Giles viewpoint which gave us a stunning view of the floodlit cathedral and city centre. Descending the hill in the gloom via an unlit flight of steps we returned to the town alongside the River Itchen and then a further one mile uphill walk back to the campus, standing us in good stead for Julian's planned 11 mile walk on Saturday.
Meeting for dinner on Friday evening. Gathering for the start at the University sign and our lunchbreak in the churchyard
After an excellent breakfast provided by the university 15 of us set off for the train station to take us to Eastleigh where we passed the beautiful water meadows owned by Winchester college, the oldest public school in Britain. The river is a spawning ground for salmon and is rich in wild flowers and butterflies. The walk took us through the picturesque village of Shawford (the place where our favourite grumpy old man, Victor Meldrew, met his end!) and a slight detour took us up St Catherine's Hill for a panoramic view of Winchester. From there we could also see the Hospital of St Cross, which some of us decided to visit for a cuppa before returning to Winchester. The Hospital of St Cross comprises a number of almshouses and a huge Norman chapel founded in 1130 by Henry de Blois, Bishop of Winchester, nephew of Henry 1 and brother to King Stephen, and continues today to offer a home and haven to elderly gentlemen, known as The Brothers and who still wear the traditional gown. We re-grouped in the evening for a delicious meal at the 'Bishop on the Bridge'.
Posing for the obligatory group shot on a picturesque bridge. Lots of steps to the top of the hillfort
Sunday saw thirteen survivors (Glenis and Marilyn having pre-arranged an early departure) potter through the Winchester antiques market, pausing only to exclaim on how the much the junk in our houses might be worth, to catch a local bus. Ignoring serious moans from the employed taxpayers amongst us, the lucky majority brandished their bus passes and we were whisked off to Itchen Stoke to start the walk. The heavens opened as we disembarked but no sooner had we donned our rain gear, than dryness resumed and remained with us more or less all day. After a quick look at the local historic church, we set off through 'Midsummer Murder' villages, with beautiful thatched cottages, lovingly cared for gardens and a sprinkling of 4x4s, along the Itchin Way. After a short map reading hiccup, soon sorted by Mr Map himself, alias Julian, we continued through fields and river bank, passed Avington Park, first mentioned in the tenth century, and last mentioned in the X Factor 2006. After an interesting struggle with a metal gate, solved only by removing his rucksack, Julian led us into Martyr Worthy for a lunch in Itchen Abbas Church graveyard, part of the Pilgrim's Way. The last part of the walk gradually brought us back under the motorway, into Winchester, where we made use of the municipal facilities complete with classical music, before dispersing for our homeward journey along a very wet motorway.
Thanks to Julian for planning two delightful walks and to Carol for the organisation of the weekend. Lesley & Tina
Thanks to Julian for planning two delightful walks and to Carol for the organisation of the weekend. Lesley & Tina
