Discover great walks in and around Winchester for the winter months
From riverside rambles to city strolls, get outside this winter with our favourite Winchester walking routes
It is tempting to stay inside and hug the radiator when the temperature dips, but what a shame it would be to miss Winchester in winter. The city is so pretty in the winter months, whether it's aglow with the twinkle of festive lights or glinting with a fine layer of frost. When it comes to exploring Winchester on foot, there are plenty of walking routes to choose from, from low-key strolls when you just want to stretch your legs to hikes along the long distance trails that start in or pass through the city.
Read on for our pick of parks and trails for frosty strolls and winter walks in Winchester.
St Catherine's Hill
Climb picturesque St Catherine's Hill, an iron age hill fort just outside Winchester city centre, for pretty views of wintery Winchester. Strolling distance from the city centre (The Wykeham Arms or The Queen Inn are well placed for post-walk pints or plates), it's an easy way to get a dose of nature without actually venturing too far. There's also a café at the foot of the hill.
The City Walk
Wander around the heart of Winchester's ancient capital taking in the historic sights. Starting at the Visitor Information Centre, you'll see Abbey house and gardens before wandering past the City Mill and along the river Itchen. The route continues past the medieval walls, Wolvesey Castle (which is free to enter and especially atmospheric in the winter months) and Winchester College. You can then walk around Winchester Cathedral's grounds before concluding your journey close to the High Street.
The Sunset Trail
With the sun setting early in the winter, there couldn't be a better time to walk Winchester's Sunset Trail. It's dotted with spots best seen in shades of pink as the sun is starting to set. The self-guided circular takes in about 1.25 miles of the beautiful and historic eastern part of Winchester, encompassing St Giles Hill, The Weirs and Abbey Gardens.
The Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail
Winchester is home to the precious Itchen and Meon chalk streams, which run through the district. You can learn more about these rare and precious habitats, which support incredible wildlife and are unfortunately at risk, by wandering the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail. The path takes you out of Winchester via the Water Meadows, with stunning views of St Catherine's Hill, and past the historic Hospital of St Cross. Keep following the route to Shawford, where you can catch a train back to Winchester city centre, or keep going to enjoy the full 10-mile walk.
Barton Meadows Nature Reserve
Take a stomp around Barton Meadows, a pretty loop on the edge of Winchester and just a 20-minute walk from the railway station. The path takes you around the reserve, where you can enjoy beautiful wild flowers in the summer and frosty vistas in winter. You might see the fields being looked after by Hampshire white cattle, sheep and some very photogenic deer. Dip off the path half way around at Headbourne Worthy for a quick detour to Cobbs Farm Shop for supplies or a coffee stop.
Alresford Millennium & Arle Valley Trail
Discover the history of this market town, its inhabitants, heritage railway line, wildlife and rural surrounds by following the Alresford Millennium & Alre Valley Trail. It guides walkers around the pretty River Alre and runs through the centre of town, where you can stop for coffee, lunch or a browse in one of Broad Street's many independent spots.
The South Downs Way
An incredible walking trail at any time of year, the South Downs Way is stunning in winter. The diverse and rural long-distance route starts in Winchester, connecting the city with Eastbourne via 100-miles of glorious hills, drove ways and coastal views in the South Downs National Park. The South Downs Way can be walked in one go, over a series of days, or broken down into more easily achievable chunks. Why not try walking Winchester to Cheesefoot Head or Winchester to Exton?
Need to warm up now?
If you've got chilly toes after all that winter walking, visit one of Winchester's cosy pubs for a roast lunch beside a roaring fire. You could get really warm with a trip to Winchester's Garden Spa or Wild Sauna, or with a hot yoga or pilates class at New Energy Yoga. One of these delicious brunch dishes and a cup of locally-roasted coffee will do the trick too. If you're looking for something indoors to do next, check out our guide to the best things to do in Winchester this January, for new art exhibitions, film screenings, stand up comedy and more.
