WALKS IN HAMPSHIRE at ST CATHERINE'S HILL, WINCHESTER (INC THE HOCKLEY VIADUCT & ITCHEN NAVIGATION)

This is another video in my series “ Walks in Hampshire” accompanied by my Whippet (Logan). In this episode, I visit St Catherine's Hill at Winchester and explore the surrounding area.

My 5 mile circular route takes me from a free car park at the foot of St Catherine's Hill (located just to the East of the city) up to the top where there are the remains of an iron age hill fort. There was once a small chapel at the top – now long gone – but there is a fascinating mizmaze to investigate!

After enjoying some great views of Winchester city to the West & Twyford Down to the East, I head down some steps to meet the Itchen Navigation – a disused canal system. I then head South, following the course of the disused Didcot, Newbury & Winchester railway line which was closed in the 1960's.

I take a small detour to cross over (and back!) the impressive 33 arch Hockley viaduct that used to carry the old railway line across the River Itchen & the water meadows. Back on my circular walk, I head West towards the city and over the enchanting River Itchen and then North past the Hospital of St Cross & Almshouses (with it's impressive church). The route continues past the cricket pitches of Winchester College and along the banks of the river until I start to turn Eastwards again and over the Black Bridge which is the actual start of the Itchen Navigation.

My homewards leg takes me along the side of the canal back to the car park at St Catherine's Hill where Logan & I enjoy light refreshments at the cafe.

Although I was filming in August, I did start the walk early in the morning and it took a while for the sun to come out – so some of the earlier footage may appear a little dark (Gopro cameras are well known for not being that great in poor light!).


Map courtesy of Google Maps.

For further videos in the series, please go to:    / @daveford   or my website at https://daveford5966.wixsite.com/website

My Facebook page is:   / davescountrysidewalks  

I use a GOPRO HERO 7 or 8 Black Action Camera (sometimes with a Gimbal) & a Rode microphone (either a “Shotgun” or a Rode Wireless Go) together with a Canon Powershot SX530 HS.