Itchen Navigation
Allbrook to Bishopstoke, Eastleigh
Children will love a walk that is entirely by the river with multiple opportunities for exploring the water, as well as a little park.
The route runs beside the Itchen Navigation the whole way.
The Basics
Time: 50 minutes each way
Distance: 2.8 km / 1.7 miles each way
Terrain: Flat riverside paths, some bridges, can be overgrown in the height of summer.
Pushchairs: Although this route is flat, there are some bridges with tight entrance and exit points that would make this route hard for pushchairs.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk, but should only access the water at the reinforced steps so as to protect the river bank from erosion.
Refreshments: A short diversion along the route takes you to Ham Farm Harvester
Toilets: Although we didn’t check, you can probably use the toilets at The Hub at the Bishopstoke end of the walk.
Public Transport: Stagecoach route 61 between Winchester and Eastleigh stops at Osborne Mews on the junction with Pitmore Road.
Parking: Free roadside parking can be found along Pitmore Road, closer to the bottom of the road is best (Postcode: SO50 4LS - W3W: ///cape.star.expose)
A fallen tree provides some balance beam training!
This linear route explores the section of the Itchen way between Allbrook and Bishopstoke. The water is in view to your side throughout the whole walk and it is easy to spot wildlife in the clear water. The recreation ground in Bishopstoke provided a sensible turning back point, after a play at the little park.
The Route
Walk down Pitmore Road and turn left at the bottom to join the busier Highbridge Road. As you walk along the pavement, look out on your left for the water gushing down Allbrook Lock. Cross under the railway bridge and then look for the footpath on the other side of the road. Cross the road and join the Itchen Way, with the water to your right.
You will pass under the railway, through a ‘tunnel’ and after this, at the first bridge, you can divert to the right over the bridge and leave the river if you wish to visit the Harvester (turn right when you get the road).
Apart from that possible diversion, the rest of the route is incredibly easy. Just stick with the riverside path. At one point, you will need to cross the river and walk down the other side with the water to your left, but this is self explanatory as there is only one option.
We walked as far as the recreation ground in Bishopstoke, where there is a small play area and playing fields. You will see this on your right as you approach the urban area. We turned back after this.
As a member, you gain access to ALL our PDFs. There are currently 69 walks available as PDFs for members to print and download, with more added daily.
Did you know?
If you fancy tackling the whole of the Itchen Way, it is a 31.8 mile long-distance path between Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, and Sholing station in Southampton.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one that also starts at Allbrook and follows the Itchen Way in the other direction!
We are passionate about keeping The Ambling Path as a free resource available to everyone, forever. If you have enjoyed using our walking guides, then please consider leaving us a donation. This will help to cover our costs as well as rewarding the considerable time and effort needed to maintain the site. Thank you.
Follow us on social media to see our new walks and get regular updates on our old ones:
