Winchester
On this walk, children will enjoy taking the high road along the viaduct, exploring the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, getting cake from Hospital of St. Cross, going inside the City Mill and the many opportunities to get close to the River Itchen.
Going over the top of Hockley Viaduct
The Basics
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 7.6 km / 4.7 miles
Terrain: Flat, well surfaced paths and pavements around the city. Unsurfaced meadow paths on the full circuit over the viaduct.
Pushchairs: Pushchairs will be able to make it around all the paths other than the meadows after the viaduct - see below for how to avoid that.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk, but will need to be on leads around the city.
Refreshments: The Handlebar Café located by the car park, The Hospital of St. Cross Tea Room, Winchester City Mill Café or other options in the city.
Toilets: Toilets can be found at Winchester City Mill.
Public Transport: There are multiple public transport options as you can join this walk from Winchester City Centre. Aim to alight buses at The Broadway and join the walk at Winchester City Mill in step 7. Alternatively busses 61 from Eastleigh and 69 from Fareham stop at Hockley Viaduct at the other end of this walk.
Parking: There is a small, free car park on Garnier Road, beside the bridge (Postcode: SO23 9NP - W3W: ///residual.lads.rinses). If this is full there is also some parking at the side of Garnier Road. Other options include the nearby park and ride or Chesil Street multi storey.
The Itchen comes into view multiple times along this walk
Leave plenty of time for this walk beside the River Itchen as there is a wealth of diversions en route including St Catherine’s Hill, Hockley Viaduct, Hospital of St. Cross, Wolvesey Castle, Winchester City Mill and Winchester Cathedral. We think this could win the award for the walk with the most places to stop!
The Route
1. Leave the car park with the river on your right and follow the path beside the river. You will see the steps going up to St. Catherine’s Hill through a gate on your left. Continue straight, and just after you go under the brick bridge, you will have a choice of three paths. The right one will take you to the other side of the water meadows on a shorter circuit and the middle one will take you onto Hockley Viaduct (you can get onto the viaduct with a pushchair, but you will not be able to continue at the other side, so pushchairs should take the right-hand path and re-join the route at step 3).
2. Cross the viaduct, go through a barrier on the other side and emerge at a busy road. Turn left and walk along the grass verge for a short distance before taking a narrow footpath on your left that doubles back. Take the gate at the end of the path and go under the viaduct and into a cow meadow, with an an electric fence between you and the cows. Walk to the opposite side to another gate and then enter the next meadow. The path becomes less obvious, but stick in the same direction and head to the gate on the other side.
3. Cross over the paved lane (or turn right if coming from the pushchair shortcut) and go through the gate, entering the land of Hospital of St Cross. Walk straight and go through a number of gates and pass the ‘hospital’ on your left. There is a tea room open to the public during the spring and summer. Continue in the same direction after The Hospital of St. Cross and you will pass a shallow spot in the river where dogs and children can paddle. Keep going until you meet Garnier Road (If you want to cut the route short, a right turn here along the road will take you back to your car).
4. Cross the road and walk along the riverside path, soon passing Winchester College on your left. After the college, the river turns a sharp right and the path ends at a road called College Walk. Turn right and walk along the street. Take the first left and then turn right at the end, where you will see signs for Wolvesey Castle (English Heritage, free). Walk over the painted letters saying, ‘no vehicular access’ and continue forward to the river again.
5. Veer left and walk with the river to your right. Keep going until you reach Bridge Street and Winchester City Mill (National Trust, free). The mill has a café, second hand book shop, water wheels and interactive displays.
6. Facing the mill, turn right and cross the bridge towards the little roundabout. Turn right and pass Chesil Rectory on your left. Continue along the road and turn right at the Black Boy pub. Keep veering left as the road bends round.
7. Cross the road when you see Wharf Mews and follow a green sign for The Itchen Navigation. Go right when you reach the tennis courts, walking with the courts to your left to reach the river. Turn left and walk along the river until you get to Garnier Road and the car park.
Extension Ideas:
• Begin the walk with a climb over St. Catherine’s Hill by going under the bridge at Handlebar Cafe, over the top of the hill and down the steps in step 1.
• Add Winchester Cathedral to this walk at step 4 after Wolvesey Castle.
• If you want a playground, add on Abbey Gardens near the City Mill in step 5.
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Did you know?
Although the viaduct looks splendid in red brick, this is actually a façade. Underneath the brick cladding, the viaduct is almost completely made of concrete, making it one of the earliest concrete structures of its kind.
Hospital of St. Cross is not really a hospital, but a charitable foundation offering help to the poor since the 12th century.
Winchester College is considered the oldest school in England and one of the most prestigious.
Wolvesey Palace was the fine residence of the Bishops of Winchester, who were rich and powerful men.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…next time try adding on this climb up St. Catherine’s Hill
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