Itchen Valley Country Park again

21 February 2009

As I didn't have a lot of time I elected to test a circular walk that would take in the Water Meadows of the Itchen Valley Country Park and the Itchen Way which runs along what used to be the tow path of the old Itchen Navigation Canal.

Gorgeous weather. All sunny and early spring warm with still that deep late afternoon golden glow just before the the sun goes down. The meadows are lovely - without the the cows - and will be more so when the green comes to tree and field. The cows will be back by then ...

My route took me from my front door to the Country Park (about 1 mile) where I went into the Visitor Centre to buy some honey (as I'd run out) and out the back door to walk down the slope to the bridge over the River. Rather unfortunately, the pathways alongside the River are "Private" and would make wonderful waterside walking. Oh well, there is another water course that runs through the meadows with footpaths over them. The ground is flat and the paths are well-marked out. Do be aware that beef stock are turned out into the meadows over the summer until October, and as well as being curious beasties they can churn up the ground. Wear good waterproof boots and gaiters, or wellingtons.

On this day, the ground had been rested and the going was very good. When I got to the far side of the Meadows from the entrance I had the choice of continuing around the perimeter of the Meadows or climbing the stile and walking along the Itchen Way. I chose the Itchen Way as that was my intention, and I was glad I did. Looking down into the Meadows from the Way, the signs didn't lie about the mud and standing water along the path.

This part of the Itchen Way runs past the airport, although you can't actually see into it. There are some little areas where the watercourse is level with, or even slightly above the lie of the path which can make the way a bit muddy. As long as you have good footwear, this is barely a mild inconvenience.

I am planning to walk the Itchen Way from Riverside Park all the way to Winchester one day in the summer. It's signposted as being 12 miles. The Way does extend a little further at either end, having its beginning in Cheriton, which is the source of the River Itchen, and ending in Woolston in Southampton.

There is a single irritation about the Itchen Way at this point where it runs alongside and under the M27. However, it is soon over and the motorway can be left behind by climbing over a stile into the water meadows on the other side and following the path through, and over the bridge pictured above. The White Swan pub is visible across the expanse. At the further end is another stile back out on to the path. By following the path round, over another bridge and through a smaller field, under Mansbridge Road and over the old stone bridge, you turn back on yourself this time on the other side of the river and the path will take you straight to the White Swan. They also have an excellent carvery.

After calling at the White Swan, the walk continues back under Mansbridge Road, past the old bridge and into Riverside Park. Home for me from here is about 1/4 mile.

The walk was very pleasant, if a bit gloopy here and there and will work as an excellent longer local walk - if I can brave the cows ...