Walk in Winchester

This past Saturday we embarked on a 'training' walk of sorts in preparation for the 3 Peaks Challenge in June. Ten of us, eleven if you include the brown four legged companion, set off for a fourteen mile loop from Winchester.

Winchester is an historic city in Hampshire about one hour southwest of London. With a picturesque cathedral, high street and river flowing through, it provided a perfect starting point for our day out.

The original Westgate of the city walls is just visible in the distance of this photo

This being April in south England we had to dodge rain showers throughout the day. I say dodge, but really it was just potluck, and we lost three separate times! After getting stuck in rain soon after leaving Winchester, we enjoyed a short break in the sunshine on the South Downs.

Here we are perched on a horse steeple chase jump

Our main objective for the morning was the historic Ship Inn, a lovely English country pub in the village of Owelsbury. Here we spent a nice leisurely two hours eating, talking and generally relaxing before setting off for the return leg to Winchester.

Our pack leader was always ready to bring the group together and ensure that no one strayed too far off course!

The sky was always an interesting cauldron of storm clouds mixed with blue sky and passing white fluffy clouds. The rapeseed was freshly blooming which provided a glorious yellow palate to enjoy and regardless of the sporadic showers, the day was filled with rainbows, both literally and metaphorically.


Thanks again to everyone who came, it was a fantastic, memorable and relaxing day out with you all!

For more pictures of our day out, click here and type ship when it asks for a password.

Here's a map showing what we did...



Another walk is planned for Saturday, 3 May, so stay tuned for more of the English countryside!