Winchester is the other major city in Hampshire County, located 10 miles north of Southampton. It’s a gateway to the massive South Downs National Park. We’ve put together a nice 5-mile ‘Runseeing Tour’, highlighting High St., the Cathedral/Castle Grounds, paths along the River Itchen, and a jaunt up to St. Catherine’s Hill.
Steps at south slope of St. Catharine’s Hill. CC: Dianthus33
Start in central Winchester at the Winchester City Mill, and head west along High St. for 0.5 miles, passing several key Winchester landmarks & museums. At the Military Museums roundabout, head back east to explore the Winchester Cathedral and Wolvesey Castle areas (use St. James Ln./St. Swithiun St.). Just past Winchester College, head south on Keats’ Walk, a dirt path along a narrow section the River Itchen (trail can me muddy). At the 2 mile mark, LEFT on Garnier Rd. to access the river path to access the St. Catherine’s Hill area. It’s a nice open space, with an optional 200-foot steep climb up the hill (there are stairs at the southern slope). Complete the route by taking the path/small road along the east side of the river.
Add-Ons: Running track & playing fields that are nice for running. Just east of path — use Bar End Rd.
Winchester is the other major city in Hampshire County, located 10 miles north of Southampton. It’s a gateway to the massive South Downs National Park. We’ve put together a nice 5-mile ‘Runseeing Tour’, highlighting High St., the Cathedral/Castle Grounds, paths along the River Itchen, and a jaunt up to St. Catherine’s Hill.
Steps at south slope of St. Catharine’s Hill. CC: Dianthus33
Start in central Winchester at the Winchester City Mill, and head west along High St. for 0.5 miles, passing several key Winchester landmarks & museums. At the Military Museums roundabout, head back east to explore the Winchester Cathedral and Wolvesey Castle areas (use St. James Ln./St. Swithiun St.). Just past Winchester College, head south on Keats’ Walk, a dirt path along a narrow section the River Itchen (trail can me muddy). At the 2 mile mark, LEFT on Garnier Rd. to access the river path to access the St. Catherine’s Hill area. It’s a nice open space, with an optional 200-foot steep climb up the hill (there are stairs at the southern slope). Complete the route by taking the path/small road along the east side of the river.
Add-Ons: Running track & playing fields that are nice for running. Just east of path — use Bar End Rd.
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Essentials
5 miles (8 km)
419 feet (140m) -- includes the 200 foot climb up St. Catherine's Hill
The signature run in Southampton is a tour of its gorgeous parks, including Palmerston Park and the impressive Southampton Common. Another good spot is Itchen Valley Country Park, with several miles of lovely woodland & meadow trails.
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Essentials
5 miles (8 km)
419 feet (140m) -- includes the 200 foot climb up St. Catherine's Hill
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!