What we’re about
Welcome to Winchester Social Walks, a small friendly walking group with a relaxed approach to walking.
We aim to offer members a chance to meet, walk and talk with others in the beautiful Hampshire countryside and occasionally beyond, giving everyone the opportunity to soak in the views, enjoy nature, the wildlife, and take plenty of pictures.
If you are alone, don't worry! Many walkers turn up by themselves and it's a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
The walks will mostly be on a Sundays - with some shorter after work walks in the summer - at a leisurely pace suitable for those who are comfortable and physically fit to complete walks from approx. 4 to 12 miles (6.5 -19 km).
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join, including dogs and well-behaved dog owners, but please check before bringing your dog, in case some walks might not be suitable.
This is a non-smoking group. All members must provide a recognisable picture of your face, without long distance pictures. This is so that we can look out for you and welcome you at any events you attend, otherwise your request to joining may be declined.
Please note (as with most groups) there will be a modest charge of £2 per person per walk to cover the subscription costs of the site and other expenses associated with running the group. There may also be additional charges depending upon the activity.
T&Cs:
By joining Winchester Social Walks Meetup Group and participate in events, you confirm to have read and accepted the following terms:
- Winchester Social Walks Meetup Group does not provide liability insurance for the protection of individuals who may participate in any of the events planned by the Organizer or Assistant Organizers.
This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. The walk leader or anyone else associated with the walks/trips can't accept responsibility for loss or injury to any members, their guests, dogs or damage to property or possessions, parked cars or the contents thereof. Basically, you agree to walk at your own risk.
2. The organisers reserve the right to remove anyone from the group who is pestering other members or using threatening or abusive language.
3. It is advisable not to put your personal information such as mobile numbers in comments.
4. To ensure that you get the latest news about events and messages, you are advised to turn on your email notification. This can be managed through your profile. We
don't hold your personal email address unless you give it to us.
5. The organizers ask members to only sign up for events which they are committed to and to cancel asap if they are no longer able to attend.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
By agreeing to join this group and participate in events, you agree to the below disclaimer:
Hiking, hill walking and essentially all outdoor activities can be risky - there is a risk of personal injury and event death. All participants must be aware of the risks and accept the risks - participants are responsible for their own safety and actions. I, the organizer, am not responsible or liable in any way.
I am not a qualified hike leader nor a first aider, this group is my hobby. All participants agree not to hold me responsible or liable for any injury (or death), damage or losses incurred either directly or indirectly from their participation in group events.
Participants must conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger themselves or the group.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Ilaria
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Shawford to St Cross Hospital CircularSO21 2AA, Winchester£2.00
(One of the favourite walks for many in our group. 😊)
A varied circle walk (12km/7.5mi) from Shawford train station to St. Cross Hospital via Oliver's Battery. We'll start with a short, but steep climb of Shawford Downs and we will continue along farm field paths, woodland tracks, and waterside trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you make your way along including deer and birds.A bit of history:
St. Cross Hospital: founded just 65 years after the Norman invasion, The Hospital of St Cross was created by a young French monk and nobleman, Henri De Blois, Bishop of Winchester, who was the grandson of William the Conqueror.
Its mission was to provide accommodation for 13 poor men who were too ill to work. In addition, it was to provide food for 100 men at the gates each day.
The Hospital (the word denotes hospitality) also served as a waystation for pilgrims on their way to Canterbury or Southampton. One of the ways in which the Hospital met its mandate was to provide a "Wayfarer's Dole" (bread and ale) to travellers. The Wayfarer's Dole is still given to all who request it at the Porters Gate.The name Oliver's Battery refers to a prominent Iron Age Iearthwork. A fine Anglo-Saxon bowl from a burial within the Batterywas on show for many years at the British Museum, but has now been returned to Winchester City Museum on long-term loan. The Olivers Battery name dates back to the English Civil War and is specifically associated with Olivery Cromwell's siege of Winchester in 1645. A map of 1780 refers to the area as "Cromwell's Camp" and later maps show it as "Oliver Cromwell's Battery".
Shawford is notable for having the longest railway viaduct in Hampshire, known as Hockley Railway Viaduct, which is over 2,000 feet long and 40 feet high.
Please bring a packed lunch/snacks for our stops a long the way.
At the end of the walk for those who wish, we can stop at Platform one Coffehouse for a drink/cake.There will be a small charge of £2.00 (cash) per head per person for this walk on the day.
Meet outside Platform One Coffeehouse SO21 2AA at 09:15, ready to leave at 09:30.
what3words: ///zebra.gender.greenTerrain: Mix of hiking path, arm field paths, woodland tracks, and waterside trailsroad, with some part of the path which can be muddy. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for this walk.
Parking: Free at Shawford station, SO21 2AA
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leads at all times.
Note: Please note walks maybe cancelled due to poor weather, please check before leaving.
Please go to the the 'About' section to remember the full disclaimer and T&Cs.
By clicking 'attend' and becoming an attendee, you agree to the conditions found here.Hope to see you there.