- Date: 23 July 2025
- Walk Leader: Lynne Burge
- Distance: 11 miles
Walk from St Catherine’s Hill, Winchester
Thirteen intrepid walkers assembled in the St Catherine’s Park and Ride Car Park, all disappointed that the promised facilities were closed! What a start to the walk! Never mind we set off on the walk, beginning with an uphill, steep route to the top of the hill. Claire had mentioned last time we walked in that area that she had never been up the hill – so up the hill we went. Puffing and panting we admired the view from the top before walking back down again.
It was busy along the paths as school holidays had just begun and everyone was out enjoying the balmy weather. Following the River Itchen we made our way to Compton Lock. Here many people come to swim, despite the notice saying no swimming. No-one was in while we were there except a dog which decided to shake himself free of the water over some of our ramblers – well, it did cool them down a little!
Then the route wound its way across the fields to the small, but busy, village of Twyford. On the way we passed the local church which was very large considering the size of the habitation. Emerging into the village we were thankful there was a pelican crossing in the village for us to cross the road safely. A workman strimming the grass at the side of the road stopped to allow us to pass safely and we made our way to the village allotments, which were in very good order. The local cricket ground was being spruced up for a forthcoming match and a pop-up coffee shop was doing good business near the playground.
Continuing on along the path we made our way towards Hensting Farm, turned left towards Owslebury and walked uphill. Energy was beginning to flag, so with the promise of lunch at Owslebury we rambled on. Gratefully finding an area in the village with benches and picnic tables we sank down to rest and eat our food.
Refreshed we walked out of the village northward in the direction of Winchester. It seemed that the path was forever gaining height – by now we were following the Pilgrim’s Way which we knew would lead us back to the cars. On the way we passed a war memorial to London soldiers who were billeted close by during WW1. Leaving the tall stone cross behind us we skirted round a field and began the final stretch to the cars. Not getting too excited as the path still seemed to be climbing we encountered Winchester Golf Course. There were a few players and thankfully no balls were accidentally sent our way. At last the path began to descend with glorious views over Winchester, it seems that it is a very green city with copious trees everywhere. Over the M3 and down a small side path, the last lap. As we descended we passed a burnt out caravan, two filthy ones that seemed to be lived in and as least five that had been trashed. We wondered how and why they were there. We had no answers. Then there was the car park, the end of a warm 11+ miles and a gentle drive home.
Author and Photographer: Lynne Burge
Additional Photography: David Roberts