Spring is here, and there’s no better time to discover what joys the Solent area has to offer. 

So, if you want to have a day out without draining your bank account, why not step outside and take an off-road ramble? It’s the perfect way to take a break and get a much-needed dose of fresh air. 

Check you have the essentials before heading off. Phone? Check. Keys? Check? Earbuds? Yep. Water and snacks? Double yep.

Now, away you go. Set out in the morning sunshine from the Winchester City Mill, on Bridge Street, trying not to get sidetracked with offers of free entry into National Trust properties. We’re going on a hike, remember? But, if you fancied it, you could fuel up at the Mill’s Café beforehand. 

Head along the riverside path until it joins College Walk. At Wharf Hill, turn left, then avoid the temptations of the Black Rat restaurant and Black Boy pub. You’re here for a walk! You could always treat yourself to a swift half or a bite to eat on your return route. 

At the top of East Hill, turn right onto Petersfield Road, then straight on to a tarmac path which leads to a footbridge over the M3. After that, breathe in the fresh clean air of the countryside, stretch those limbs and make sure you keep to the countryside code of no littering! It’s a great habitat for birds, like Corn Buntings, Buzzards, and Owls. Keep alert for a Skylark. Look out for a Linnet. Be prepared for Peregrines. 

For the return journey, if those legs are aching a bit, you can catch the bus The no. 64 bus stop is by the A31, about 400 metres down a lane which turns right from Keeper’s Cottage. Remember on Sundays the buses are more infrequent, and don’t forget to give a hand signal to the driver! 

You can find more details on the full walk here.