RIVER ITCHEN

The Itchen is the chalk river which flows right through the city’s Winnall Moors Nature Reserve. You can walk alongside the river on the Itchen Way all the way to Eastleigh or Southampton which you can do in a day – it’s then just a short 10-minute train ride back to Winchester. The river is incredibly clear which is great for spotting nature, on your walks keep an eye out for brown trout, dragonflies, kingfishers and herons and if you’re lucky, water voles and otters.

For a shorter walk, follow the circular riverside route along the foot of

St Catherine’s Hill, perhaps stopping at the Handlebar Cafe. One option is then to head straight on to the Hockley Viaduct which used to be a trainline but is now pedestrianised and has fantastic views from the top. Your other option is to turn right at the signposts and head past the medieval almshouse, the Hospital of St Cross, and then on to Garnier Road possibly stopping for a toastie or mac & cheese bites at the Garden Café at the Pump House.