STAGE 1 - WINCHESTER TO FOUR MARKS
Our day will start at Winchester Cathedral, where we will make a brief exploration of this magnificent building which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern europe. It is believed that a Christian church has stood on this site for nearly 1400 years, however the current building dates back to William the Conqueror's reign and was constructed between 1079 and 1532.
On departure, we will weave our way through the pretty, bustling streets of Winchester reaching the historic site and remains of Hyde Abbey. The Abbey was a medieval Benedictine monastery but was dissolved and demolished in 1538 following various acts passed under King Henry VIII when he was breaking with the Roman Catholic Church. It was once known to have housed the remains of King Alfred the Great, his son, King Edward the Elder, and his wife, Ealswitha. LIttle now remains of what was once a popular pilgrimage site.
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We will continue on the St Swithun’s Way, crossing the A34 and passing the villages of Abbots Worthy, Martyr Worthy and Itchen Abbey (which all have strong historical connections to the Pilgrims Way) before taking a south easterly turn towards Ovington and St Peter’s Church. The current building is of Victorian construction and is situated alongside the site of the original 13th century church of which the west arch remains.
We will then follow the river Itchen until we branch off and cross the A31 and walk parallel to it through Alresford before crossing again and heading towards Four Marks, where Garthowen Garden Centre will be our stopping point for the day.
