Winchester’s River Itchen is a pristine chalk stream renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife that can be observed from its banks. The diverse array of creatures includes otters, water voles, white-clawed crayfish, butterflies, and kingfishers. There are only around 210 chalk streams in the world and 160 of them are in England.

Following the riverside path, you can admire Winchester’s charming historic properties and visit notable attractions such as the statue of Alfred the Great, the City Mill, and Wolvesey Castle.

If you continue your journey southward, you’ll venture beyond Winchester, traversing picturesque water meadows along the Itchen Way. This scenic route aligns with the Itchen Navigation, a 17th-century canal.

The path spans an impressive 10 miles, stretching from Winchester’s Wharf Bridge all the way down to Woodmill in Southampton. As you wander along this route, you’ll encounter breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The River Itchen Walk appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Winchester!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Nearby Attractions

• Wolvesey Castle (0.1) km
  Palace in Winchester
• St Mary Magdalen Hospital Alms-houses (0.2) km
  Historic Building in Winchester
• St Peter's Church, Chesil, Winchester (0.3) km
  Church and Theatre in Winchester
• City Walls of Winchester (0.3) km
  City Walls in Winchester
• Winchester College (0.3) km
  Historic Building in Winchester
• The Chesil Rectory (0.3) km
  Historic Building in Winchester
• St Mary's Abbey, Winchester (0.3) km
  Abbey in Winchester
• Winchester City Mill (0.3) km
  Mill in Winchester
• Jane Austen's House, Winchester (0.4) km
  Historic Building in Winchester
• King Alfred Statue, Winchester (0.4) km
  Statue in Winchester