Shawford to St Cross Hospital Circular

(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.green

Terrain: 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 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.