About us
Welcome to Winchester Social Walks, a small friendly walking group with a relaxed approach to walking.
Winchester Social Walks was created to bring together friendly, like-minded people who enjoy getting out into nature without pressure or pretence. Whether you’re new to the area, looking to meet new people, or simply love exploring the countryside, you’ll find a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere here.
Our walks take us through the beautiful Hampshire countryside and occasionally a little further afield. We enjoy everything from peaceful woodland paths and rolling hills to open downland and scenic riverside routes. There’s always time to pause, take in the views, spot wildlife, snap a few photos, and most importantly — chat and connect along the way.
If you are alone, don't worry! Many walkers turn up by themselves. Walking side by side is one of the easiest and most natural ways to get to know new people, and friendships quickly form.
We typically offer:
- Weekend walks ranging from approximately 4–12 miles (6.5–19 km)
- A leisurely, social pace suitable for those who are comfortable and reasonably fit
- Shorter after-work walks during the summer months
Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join, including dogs and well-behaved dog owners, but please check before bringing your dog, as 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.
🍃All participants must be 18 or older and are fully responsible for their own safety, health, and wellbeing throughout the event. Outdoor environments do carry inherent risks, and participation is entirely voluntary and undertaken at each individual’s own discretion and risk.
🍃 The organiser, guides, or event hosts accept no liability for any injury (including personal injury or fatal accidents), illness, loss, damage, or disputes that may occur before, during, or after the event.
🍃 Please assess your own physical and emotional readiness to participate. If you have any medical or psychological conditions that may affect your experience, it is your responsibility to manage them appropriately and/or seek advice in advance.
🍃 You are encouraged to carry personal accident or travel insurance if you feel this is appropriate for your needs.
🍃 All event descriptions including timing, distance, pace, and attendance are approximate and may change due to weather, terrain, transport, or other unforeseen circumstances.
🍃 Occasionally, photos or short videos may be taken for motivational or reflective purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any media, kindly inform the organiser before the session begins.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Ilaria
Upcoming events
9
- £2.00

Shawford to St Cross Hospital Circular
SO21 2AA, Bridge Cottages, Winchester, GB(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 or the Bridge Inn for a drink and/or something to eat.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: £1 all day at Shawford station, SO21 2AA and Otterbourne Rd, Winchester SO21 2BX
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leads at all times.
Please note walks maybe cancelled due to poor weather, please check before leaving.
DISCLAIMER:
By joining this group , you acknowledge and agree to the following:
🍃 All participants must be 18 or older and are fully responsible for their own safety, health, and wellbeing throughout the event. Outdoor environments do carry inherent risks, and participation is entirely voluntary and undertaken at each individual’s own discretion and risk.
🍃 The organiser, guides, or event hosts accept no liability for any injury (including personal injury or fatal accidents), illness, loss, damage, or disputes that may occur before, during, or after the event.
🍃 All event descriptions including timing, distance, pace, and attendance are approximate and may change due to weather, terrain, transport, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Please go to the the 'About' section for the full disclaimer and T&Cs.Hope to see you there.
25 attendees - £2.00

Kings Somborne and Ashley Down Wood Circular
Farley Mount Monument Car Park, 3H6H+JX, Stockbridge SO51 0QT, Winchester, GBJoin me for a beautiful countryside walk just under 13km (8miles), exploring the scenic farmlands and woodland pockets around Kings Somborne, Ashley and Holland. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a mix of natural landscapes and historic features, making this a varied and rewarding route.
Terrain: the trail includes some gentle inclines and a few rougher sections, which may be muddy in wetter conditions, so please take care and wear suitable footwear.
Afterwards we can drive to Beechcroft Farm Shop, Sarum Rd, Winchester SO22 5QS which is about 3 mile away.
Meet: at the Farley Mount Monument Car Park (just up the road from Juniper Car Park) at 09:45 for a 10:00 start.
Nearest postcode: SO21 2JG
What3Words: structure.stereos.teachThere will be a small charge of £2.00 (cash) per head per person for this walk on the day.
Please note walks maybe cancelled due to poor weather, please check before leaving.
DISCLAIMER:
By joining this group , you acknowledge and agree to the following:
🍃 All participants must be 18 or older and are fully responsible for their own safety, health, and wellbeing throughout the event. Outdoor environments do carry inherent risks, and participation is entirely voluntary and undertaken at each individual’s own discretion and risk.
🍃 The organiser, guides, or event hosts accept no liability for any injury (including personal injury or fatal accidents), illness, loss, damage, or disputes that may occur before, during, or after the event.
🍃 All event descriptions including timing, distance, pace, and attendance are approximate and may change due to weather, terrain, transport, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Please go to the the 'About' section for the full disclaimer and T&Cs.Hope to see you there.
20 attendees - £2.00

Micheldever Wood to Itchen Abbas (to see the bluebells)
Micheldever Woods Car Park, Main Road, Micheldever, GB- Date - Saturday 25th April 2025
- Time - Meet 9:15am, walk 09:30am
- Location - Micheldever Wood Car Park, SO21 3FW
- Distance - 6.5 miles
- Duration - 2.5-3 hours
Join me for a walk through fields and hedge rows and a loop through part of Micheldever Wood. A distance of 6.5 miles which has no steep climbs and should take up to three hours. No pubs along the way so please bring a snack.
A slightly earlier start time than usual as during the bluebell season, the car park gets busy.
There will be a small charge of £2.00 per head per person for this walk on the day.
If something comes up and you can't make it, please cancel at least 48 hours in advance so someone else can take your spot.Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads at all times.
Meet me at the car park for Micheldever Wood. The w3w is ///duos.trail.drops however for sat nav use the postcode of SO21 3FW which is the church meeting hall on the A33. Don't park here, instead turn off the A33 onto Main Road and then follow for a mile or so to the carpark in the woods on your left.
Please note walks maybe cancelled due to poor weather, so please check before leaving.
**By clicking 'attend' and becoming an attendeed, you agree to the conditions found in the 'About' section.**
Hope to see you there.
25 attendees
Past events
60



