Winchester Xmas Market, St Catherine's Hill & River Itchen – Country Hike

Walk length 11miles/18km approx. Circular.

A chance to explore the beautiful City of Winchester and some of the surrounding countryside including views from St Catherine's Hill.

St Catherine's Hill contains the remains of an old Iron Age hill fort and was the site of a 12th century chapel.

The hike also traverses parts of Twyford Down, Shawford Down and some river sections of the River Itchen.

We can get some drinks at the end of the hike in Winchester and hopefully get a chance to explore the Winchester Cathedral Xmas Market.

THIS HIKE IS MEDIUM IN LENGTH BUT DOES CONTAIN SOME HILL CLIMBS AS WELL AS FLATTER RIVER SECTIONS.

Meeting: Meet outside Winchester Rail Station for the walk to start at 10.35am (after the train from London arrives). This is a circular walk and finishes back at Winchester.

Lunch and Finish: The hike should finish before 4.00pm (finish time may be earlier or later depending on the weather and pace) and include a short pack lunch at the village of Shawford. There is a pub in the village The Bridge Inn however be aware we will not be stopping very long for lunch.

The Xmas market is close to the Cathedral. When you are tired of shopping or want some warmth you can meet the group at the very classy 'The Old Gaolhouse, 11a Jewry Street' for drink and food and it should be reasonably priced.

Transport

Car: Winchester Station Car Park is £3.50 on Saturday. Free street parking may be available on the outskirts of the town but please be aware parking is likely to be busy with Xmas shoppers and the markets.
Train from London: The 9.35am train from London Waterloo gets to Winchester for 10.32am.

Train from London: Meet outside the main WHSmith on the main concourse at Waterloo Station from 8.45am close to the Pret and ticket information desk to give you time to get tickets/group saves (see photo below). The organizer is coming by train.

Please be prompt trains can be busy and we need time to get tickets/group saves.

Cost

Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee. For paypal it is '[email protected]' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

Train £30 approx with a network railcard discount or groupsave. Cheaper discounts may also be available online in advance.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Walking Safety
Walking is a great way to keep fit & generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit & be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing & shoes with sufficient grip suitable for hiking. Warm & wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food & water. Please see our Terms & Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.