River Itchen loop from Saint Giles Hill Winchester — South Downs National Park
River Itchen loop from Saint Giles Hill Winchester — South Downs National Park
4.9
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hikers
River Itchen loop from Saint Giles Hill Winchester — South Downs National Park
01:44
6.59km
50m
Hiking
Embark on a moderate 4.1-mile (6.6 km) hike from Saint Giles Hill in Winchester, offering panoramic views of the historic city, including Winchester Cathedral and Wolvesey Castle. This loop takes you along the serene River Itchen and through picturesque water meadows, with an elevation gain of 167 feet (51 metres). You can expect to complete the route in about 1 hour and 43 minutes, enjoying the blend of urban history and natural beauty.
When planning your visit, be aware that while the trail is generally accessible, you will encounter steep steps to reach the St Giles Hill viewpoint. Paths can also become very muddy, especially in the water meadows, following wet weather, so sure-footedness is required. Consider checking local conditions before you head out to ensure a comfortable experience on this route.
This trail is a unique opportunity to explore a globally rare chalk stream ecosystem along the River Itchen, designated as a Special Area of Conservation. You will also discover Winchester's rich history, passing by sites like Winchester City Mill and the ancient Hospital of St Cross. The route extends into the South Downs National Park, connecting you to a wider network of paths and diverse landscapes.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
471 m
The Weirs, Winchester
Highlight • Viewpoint
The Weirs is a good starting point for walks along the Itchen, an important chalk stream and abundant in fish and wildlife. The Itchen Way, a long-distance footpath, also runs along this lane.
Tip by
995 m
Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace)
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
2.81 km
View of the Hospital of St Cross
Highlight • Viewpoint
Built with stone from as far afield as Caen, the church consists of stunning honey coloured Norman stonework both inside and out. On a column on the north aisle is carved the cross of St Cross. In the window nearest to the eastern side of the north transept, the stone surround is strangely angled. This device means that sunlight from the window falls on the cross only on 3rd May (the day in the church calendar of the Invention of the Cross) and 14th September (Holy Cross Day).
nationalchurchestrust.org/church/hospital-st-cross-winchester
Tip by
5.26 km
The River Itchen at Fallodon Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.59 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.76 km
1.04 km
878 m
467 m
237 m
215 m
Surfaces
3.56 km
1.08 km
1.07 km
694 m
184 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Monday 25 May
32°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.