Shawford-Twyford Down

The Itchen Navigation

"The Itchen Navigation is a 10.4-mile (16.7 km) disused canal system in Hampshire, England, that provided an important trading route from Winchester to the sea at Southampton for about 150 years. Improvements to the River Itchen were authorised by Act of Parliament in 1665, but progress was slow, and the navigation was not declared complete until 1710. It was known as a navigation because it was essentially an improved river, with the main river channel being used for some sections, and cuts with locks used to bypass the difficult sections. Its waters are fed from the River Itchen. It provided an important method of moving goods, particularly agricultural produce and coal, between the two cities and the intervening villages."

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itchen_Navigation

2.

When you reach the main road, cross over and follow the footpath arrows into the Hockley Golf Club to the right. The path goes to the right of the club house and then up a gravel track. Beware of flying golf-balls.

3.

As you climb the hill, look back at the view of Winchester and the Itchen Valley.

4.

Just after the gravel track ends, shortly after a field hedge on the right and maintenance shed on the left, the path forks across the grass.

• Here you could continue for an extended walk up and over Twyford Down.

Our route turns right and through a narrow gap through a low mound and onto a new path. Turn right and follow the path back, eventually heading down the hill between two hedges.

5.

Follow the sunken path all the way down the hill, over a farm track, until you reach the main road.

7.

The path continues across water meadows until it re-joins the Itchen Navigation path you started on, at Compton Lock.

8.

Turn left and follow the tow path back to the start at Shawford.