Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Winchester walk on 6th December 2023

With the thought that we could spend some time in the Christmas Market, Winchester seemed a good place for a walk -  it had been the capital of England until 1066. After parking up in St Catherine's Park and Ride, we headed for St Catherine's Hill. It is a bit of a challenge so a few sensible people decided to pop into The Handlebar Cafe, have a coffee and meet the mountaineers on the south side of the Hill. As it happened the hill wasn't too bad, as long as we remembered to have a look at the view every 50 steps. The hill was the site of an Iron Age fort and also contains the buried ruins of a Norman chapel. On top of the hill is one of only two remaining historic English turf mazes where the path is a narrow groove in the turf. We also met a Hampshire Wildlife warden looking for the 8 British White Cows that freely roam the hilltop. The route back down was well maintained with planks and netting - a passer-by said there were 333 steps - luckily for us they were downwards! Having met up with the refreshed walkers, we carried on along the Itchen Way footpath until we found St Cross Bridge which took us across the extensive water meadows.  Turning north, we reached the St Cross Hospital and stopped for a drink. The building is not actually a hospital but was founded in 1136 for “thirteen poor men, feeble and so reduced in strength that they can scarcely or not all support themselves”. Luckily we managed to get away and carried on upstream, looking for a rumoured kingfisher. We were soon back in civilisation and after a quick look at the market, retired to the Wykeman Arms for lunch. The walk was around 4 miles.

Yes, hills do have their drawbacks

The amazing Maze at the top, everyone trying to track the path

Walkers all ready for the off

After a struggle, we did find the elusive cattle

Some British White's are not quite as white as others

Having seen the maze and the cattle, we headed downhill

River Itchen, one of the best chalk streams for fly fishing in the world

St Catherine's Hill, now conquered.

Down all 333 steps, our walking companions patiently waiting below

Carefully does it!

Hospital of St Cross

Originally for 13 men, it now houses 25 men (so where are the women housed?!)

That's better.

Kingfisher with its winter coat?!

Jane Austen spent her last 3 months here

Christmas Market

With plenty of Glühwein

Even an occasional kingfisher

Lots of life in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral

OK, it's now back to the pub please.

Cheers!

About 4 miles

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