Winchester Winter Warmer: Chalk Downs to Cathedral Market

GRADE: Beginners 16km/ 10 miles, good paths through woodland, country roads, rolling countryside and a few hill climbs. Approx 4.5-5 hours walking time, plus additional distance if you choose to explore the Christmas market afterwards.

We start the hike in the historic cathedral city of Winchester, rising from picturesque streets to scenic hillfort viewpoints with sweeping vistas over the surrounding area. Leaving the urban area, we follow a scenic riverside path and climb up to an ancient hilltop site, before traversing open downland and descending into valley watermeadows. Making our way back up onto the hills with distant views of the skyline, we then descend past historic landmarks, ancient foundations, and scenic watermeadows to the bright lights of Winchester's popular Christmas market. We'll finish at around 16:30 and you'll be free to explore the market and take in the atmosphere or head home.

COST: £12 organiser fee paid on RSVP

MEETING POINT and TIME: Waterloo station \Windrush memorial statue near platform 18\ on the main concourse (to avoid confusion with other groups travelling at the same time!). Meet at 08:30 for the 09:05 train.

TRAINS: Train tickets not included. We’ll take the 09:05 train to Winchester arriving at 10:03 journey time approx. 58 mins, Return train from Winchester (there are three trains per hour from Winchester back to London). Purchase your tickets on the day or in advance. Group save tickets buy on the day.

Return tickets from London to Winchester get more expensive closer to the travel time – advance return tickets cost £24.70 as of 13 October. Network rail card provides a fantastic saving.

HIKE STARTS: 10:10 from Winchester station. If you're meeting us at Winchester station, please be sure to DM me beforehand so that we don't miss you.
HIKE FINISHES: approximately at 16:30 at Winchester Christmas market, a 12-minute walk from the station. Finish times always depend on pace of the group on the day and are a rough estimate.

The price doesn't include train or bus fares. Please purchase your own train ticket.

HIKE LEADER: Davina

What to Bring
✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket and layers for changing weather
✅ Packed lunch, snacks and water
✅ Train ticket, contactless or travelcard
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