The best walks and hikes around Winchester

A regal history

Within the city walls you can find the 11th-century cathedral, a Norman palace, a 12th-century castle, a 19th-century Gothic guildhall, an 18th-century watermill replacing a 10th-century iteration and a statue of King Alfred the Great, overseeing it all. While Alfred is the true face of Winchester, it was the Romans who founded the settlement in earnest after taking over local Iron Age hillforts. Under the Romans, Winchester was known as Venta Belgarum. 

For history buffs, walks in Winchester’s city centre will reveal untold delights from ancient castles to timbered buildings and everything in between. 

Exploring chalk downland

The River Itchen is a fine example of a chalk-bed river and its natural clarity provides verdant grounds for growing watercress. Its riverbanks are vibrant and there are numerous trails you can explore up or downriver on your hikes from Winchester. Just north of the city lie a series of beautiful riverside villages, each a picture-postcard objective. 

The South Downs rise immediately east of the ancient city, and both St Catherine’s Hill and Cheesefoot Head have summits that provide excellent viewpoints across it and much further afield. To the east lies the majestic West Wood and Farley Mount Country Park, whilst the city lies in a web of footpaths, tracks and bridleways, each keen to whisk you out into the beautifully green surroundings. 

Explore throughout the year

Some of the best hiking trails around Winchester are at their most splendid during the summer months, when the river and landscape is alive with birdlife, butterflies and flowering meadows. No matter what time of year you hike though, there’s plenty of magic to be found here. 

Along with endless options for walks, there are numerous small towns and villages nestled into the surrounding countryside, each usually in possession of a lovely old pub, making lunch stops utter bliss. For long-distance adventures, you’re spoilt for choice, as many named trails pass through the city, opening up even more options for expeditions. 

The area tends to have mild winters although snow isn’t unheard of, particularly on the downs. Always check the weather before walking and dress accordingly.