Winchester walk on 26th november 2025

After parking in St Catherine's car park, Tim and Jane's walk headed away from the city. After a short stroll we reached the bottom of St Catherine's Hill, which is a bit challenging and walkers who didn't feel the need of a challenge were able to buy a coffee and use a shortcut to catch up a bit later. The Hill is 318ft above sea level and has some great views. We had a look at the mizmaze but as it is nearly 1/2 mile to walk it, we decided to not accept the challenge. After a wander around we descended using newly built steps - which had antislip inserts in them, much needed where the frost was still evident. At the bottom we took a diversion to find the site of a medieval burial site, one of several in the Plague Pits Valley. When the Black death ocurred in 1348/1349 and a subsequently in 1361/1362, the city ran out of burial sites. Digging pits for mass burial was the only option and this valley next to St Catherine's Hill was chosen. Statistics vary but it is likely that half of England's population perished in that period.

We then walked along the edge of the River Itchen flood plain turning north where a road has been constructed. Another turn along a footpath brought us to the Hospital of St Cross where we stopped for a coffee. We also went inside the building and had a very informative chat with the lady looking after the Porters Lodge gift shop. She kindly offered us a small beer and a piece of bread, a custom dating back to the 12th Century and it would have been rude to refuse. Although free to any passing wanderer, we did actually make a small donation. This almshouse is the oldest continuous charity in the country and looks after 25 widowers or single men, normally of limited means. Guided tours are available and our host especially recommended a trip to the top of the tower. Click here:- St Cross Hospital.

Continuing alongside the River Itchen we eventually reached the city, passing the last residence of Jane Austen on the way. There was a large German Market in the Cathedral Grounds which we wandered through on our way to The Giggling Squid, to have an enjoyable lunch and to meet up with holiday makers recently back from Portugal. We then wandered back to the Guildhall area where we were able to catch our free bus back to the car park.

Ready to go

Steps up the hill - not the easiest.

Lovely views, Winchester Cathedral in the distance

Two places to avoid, the building on the left is the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, the one on the right is Winchester Prison, once home to Reggie Kray and Rose West