Name: Xmas markets Winchester, South Downs National Park Hike
Start: 2024-12-21T09:00:00Z
End: 2024-12-21T16:30:00Z

Winchester is a cathedral city steeped in history. It was founded by the Romans close to a major Iron Age hillfort, it was the capital of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex under Alfred the Great, it was a major royal city under the medieval kings, and it is the home of one of the country’s most famous public schools, Winchester College.

**Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market** is recognised as one of the best in Europe and renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked exhibitors,

* **Book early before the price increases**

💪**Grade**: Moderate, 11.5 miles, there is a 340 meters ascent/descent throughout the day.

* **✅Participants must RSVP, we don't take +1's/guests or cash**
* **🚶🏽‍♀️You must be able to hike at a regular 2.5 miles per hour**
* **🐶Dogs, children & under 18's not welcome**
* **💱Event bookings are none transferable or refundable, unless we have to reschedule or cancel, in which case a full refund or event transfer will be available upon request**

**😓Factors outside our control,** such as train strikes, rail engineering works, train timetable changes, heavy rain, flooding, thunderstorms, ice/snow or extreme/dry heat, may force us to **alter** or **reschedule.**

**🚑 Disclaimer:** Invigorate is a volunteer-run, non-profit group (our charges are to cover our running costs only) and is not liable for any accidents, illnesses, or loss of personal property during this event. It is your responsibility to ensure your safety and the safety of your belongings and to have appropriate insurance coverage.

**🩹A First Aid Kit** is carried by the hike leader.

🎒**What to wear/bring:** 🥾good hiking boots are essential due to the hill climbs and mud🧥suitable hiking clothes 🎒backpack☔waterproofs🔦torch/head torch
🧋drinking water🧦a spare pair of hiking socks 🥜snacks

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦**Group Saver discount** 1/3rd off the price should be available on the day, when buying 3 tickets or more together. You must travel with other group saver ticket holders on both the outward and return journey.

💳**Train Ticket** buy a **"off peak Day return to Winchester Station".**

**📞Hike leader's phone number:** is only available on the day of the hike. He cannot text or call from this number (as the sim has no credit) is **07535394578.**

💰**Please check the prices** at [https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ ](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)before booking.

🏃🏾**We leave for the train** 09:15

**🚆We plan to catch** the 09:35 direct train. Please let us know if you plan to join the group at Winchester station at 10:32.

**🕙Morning:** We shall see the The Great Hall (where the famous Round Table is) and pass the Cathedral (you can visit both of these after the hike if you want)

We will make a 10 minute free visit to **Wolvesey Castle,** the main residence of the Bishop of Winchester in the Middle Ages. The castle, mostly built by Henry of Blois in the 12th century, is now a ruin, except for its fifteenth-century chapel,

Leaving Winchester we head out along the idyllic River Itchen to St Catherine's Hill, the Iron Age hillfort, from where there are spectacular views of the city. From here the route crosses some typical Hampshire down land, before descending to a section of ancient water meadows

**🍕Lunch Break** at the riverside [Bridge pub](https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/hampshire/bridge) at Shawford, If ordering food please ensure it will be quick as we will only have 40 minutes for our lunch break. If you bring your own food please do not eat it in the pub or their garden.

**🕜Afternoon:** the hike again climbs up onto the downs, giving fine distant views of Winchester Cathedral, before descending to the ancient Hospital of St Cross, along the water meadows and past Winchester College back to central Winchester

**🚩Finish back at Winchester** for the Christmas Market

🍺🍔Optional pub **Drink/food** **Finish:** When you are tired of Xmas shopping or want some warmth you can meet the group at [The Old Gaolhouse pub, 11a Jewry Street](https://maps.app.goo.gl/HvXihK8dqdzT74iZ8) for drink and food.

**📅 [Click here to see all of our 63 scheduled day hikes and 3-weekend hikes](https://4142298.xyz/invigorate/events/) over the next 12 months.**

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