CHRISTMAS HIKE:Hike St Catherine's hill, visit Winchester Christmas Market

Christmas has arrived YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY and what do we do for Christmas? We hike, we drink mulled wine and have tasty treats food surrounded by stunning medieval buildings, Christmas lights with the loveliest people to be found on all the continents AKA the Jonions! YAAAAAYYYYY

First we will have a peak at all the historical sites and pretty corners of this stunning town, we will walk along the canals for some gorgeous views before we begin our journey through nature and climb the new big Instagram hill, St Catherine's hill, it is trending atm and there are some gorgeous views. Even there, you will be surrounding by history and beauty as the old 'hospital' an active monastry will be on our way, so why not have a peak if you fancy?

Whether you hiked with us before or not, join us for a beautiful trip that mixes hiking, eating, drinking(if you wish), laughing, historying,(I know this isn't correct but it rimes), eating and eating... I hope you are ready for some fun!

This year will be different from the others, we won't be celebrating in Britain's current capital, no, we will travel through time in a time machine; also called train... and will visit England's former capital and decreed as such by King Alfred, and what a beauty it is...

Well, I have to say, this is a bit like visiting my family over there, it's true, the town which was once one the most Important on this Island of Great Britain was created by the Belgae, a celtic tribe from the continent coming from the area today called Belgium and some bits of Northern France who established their settlements around 150BC...my great great great great great great great great great ... grand parents might even have been some of the founders...kings and Queens I am sure!Yes, I am Belgian and not big headed at all! SO...
Let's visit Winchester, you might have heard of it even just for its Christmas market, deemed to be one of the most magicals in England as well as the home of England eldest cathedral.
(You might want to visit the remains of the castle for an extra 4 pounds first, it still has the round table! Yes, King Arthur's round table... the famous one.)

This is a hiking group, so of course, we will begin this trip with a hike. We will climb the famous St Catherine hill and enjoy the views from its top.

This hike is not too long, around 8/9 miles (14km) and the start of the hike is located very close to the city centre, after all, the town is surrounded by gorgeous wild greenery. From pretty streams, to woodlands and acres of fields, hills with 360 degree views and the remains of the early settlements as well as a medieval hospital that is also open to visit and is beautifully decorated around Christmas.

And attention beer drinkers; he Hospital of St Cross is famous for its unique and ancient tradition of providing the Wayfarer’s Dole since the 12th century. This is a horn of beer and a morsel of bread given to any visitor who requests it. The custom was founded by a monk from Cluny in France, whose holy order always gave bread and wine to travellers. The tradition still continues today. Visitors may request the Dole at the Porter’s Lodge as they depart.

Don't worry, the climb isn't difficult.
We will finish the trip at the Christmas market where we will grab some delicious street food and some tasty mulled wine and wander in the historical streets of medieval England before we hop back on the time machine, a bit tipsy and our bellies filled with tasty fatty christmassy food...
INFORMATION:

DISTANCE: 9 miles/14km

DURATION: 5 hours

TRANSPORT:

By train; we will buy an off peak group days return that will allow us to save 35%on the ticket price.

Please ensure that you bring £25 in cash

PRICE:

£17 ( for the guide's fee) via PayPal

About £25 In cash for the train

INCLUDED:

Guided hike

A fun day out with lovely people

NOT INCLUDED:

Transport

Anything else not mentioned above

WHAT TO BRING:

Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; IT IS WINTER,WATERPROOF SHOES MANDATORY.

Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain;

Water bottle;

Packed lunch and snacks.

MEETING POINT:

London Waterloo at 08:30 am

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THIS PAGE AGAIN 2 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE AS THE DEPARTURE STATION IS ONLY CONFIRMED BY SW TRAINS ON THE THURSDAY OR FRIDAY.

ATTENTION:

Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄

POLICIES:

1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group.

2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else.

3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our site, you will be fully refunded