Walking Break Twixtmas in Winchester
Thursday 27 December 2018 16:00 - Saturday 29 December 2018
(2 nights)
From £199.00
Listed by Spice Manchester
Overview
The western end of the South Downs National Park is a fabulous stretch of countryside typified by open meadows & rolling downs, idyllic towns & villages and peaceful meandering chalk streams flowing through sun-drenched valleys with views that stretch all the way to the coast! For this Walking Twixtmas Break we will be staying in the perfect medieval City of Winchester and in the wonderful Winchester Royal Hotel. The Medieval and Georgian buildings of the hotel are themselves part of the vibrant heritage of the city and have been very tastefully modernised to provide delightfully relaxed, comfortable and peaceful accommodation, yet lie only a stroll from its magnificent Cathedral & award-winning shops. We will take the Friday's walks to one of the most shapely and interesting section of the Downs where beautiful countryside surrounds the picture-perfect villages of East and West Meon. We shall wander over Winchester Hill, Salt Hill and Butser Hill. Then, after a good night out and by way of contrast to Friday, the Saturday walks will be a little closer to Winchester and include the pretty Hampshire villages like Cheriton and historic houses of Hinton Ampner, as we make our way through gentle valleys and over the soft summer downlands. If you are heading on to one of our New Year’s breaks, at Ross on Wye or near Arundel then to enable you to get back at a reasonable time the Saturday's walks will finish between approximately 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Member Single En-Suite £249.00 deposit £45.00 balance due 23 Nov 2018
Member Twin share En-Suite £199.00 deposit £40.00 balance due 23 Nov 2018
Member Double share En-Suite £199.00 deposit £40.00 balance due 23 Nov 2018
Guest Twin share En-Suite £219.00 deposit £40.00 balance due 23 Nov 2018
The Walking Programme: The South Downs is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also our newest National Park. It is a unique bio diverse landscape that is also home to picturesque villages and bustling market towns. It consists of some exemplary countryside that stretches between Winchester, the first capital of England 160 miles to the white cliffs at Eastbourne. This wonderful chalk escarpment is crisscrossed by miles of ancient drover’s tracks, footpaths and trod’s that reveal magnificent views, secretive wildlife and forgotten history to the many walkers who come here to enjoy the peace and fresh air.
On the Friday the two walks will head out to the East where we will enjoy exploring particularly beautiful and interesting sections of the Downs. Here there are some delightful villages nestled by the clear waters of the River Meon. These perfect villages offer tempting refreshments to the walkers as we explore not only the villages and valleys, but the rolling escarpment of the South Downs Way. We can wander up to the Old Winchester Hill Fort which overlooks miles of the surrounding countryside before passing over to Salt hill and if anyone has any energy left perhaps onto Tegdown and Butser Hill.
On Saturday we will stay closer to the Winchester where we have two more beautiful walks amongst a somewhat softer countryside. We will wander by the River Itchen, one of the finest chalk streams in the country with stunning clear waters that brim with trout. Along the way we will pass through lovely villages like Tichborne, Itchen Stoke and Cheriton where one of the most decisive battles of the English civil war took place. Then it’s onwards out across the open downs where we can see the National Trust property and gardens of the attractive Hinton Ampner.
Includes
2 nights accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 evening meals & 2 days of guided walks and there will be a choice of walks each day too
Extras
Local transport to the start of the walks if used
Location & Itinerary
We will provide a choice of 2 walks on each day so you can choose how you are feeling on the day and select the walk that suits you best! These walks will be led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10 or more miles with 2000+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent. All walks are weather dependent and own transport may be taken to the walk starts.
Travel & Stay
The Winchester Royal Hotel is situated in the heart of this beautiful cathedral city, home of the Round Table and the great kings of England. The hotel was originally built in the 16th century as a private house, surrounded by Medieval and Georgian buildings and is only a stone's throw from the city centre. With its beautiful walled garden and period feel, the hotel is a perfect base to explore Winchester and the surrounding area. But you don’t need leave the hotel if you don’t want to as the hotel boasts an ideal setting with a conservatory restaurant of excellent reputation, a cosy lounge and friendly inviting bar too. Then there are 75 en-suite bedrooms, which include everything you need for a good night’s sleep - and more, including Wifi, TVs & sky, room service, tea & coffee making facilities and hairdryers.
Car parking: is available for the group, Reception will give you the code to exit on arrival. There is a barrier, just approach and it will open when you arrive. As the hotel is in this small city parking is limited and gone when it is gone, so arrive early if you can. The other options are relatively complicated, but your guides and reception staff will look after you and recommend pay and display car parks nearby.
By Road:
From the North on M3 - Junction 9 exit following the road signs for the town centre and over the roundabout. At the bottom of the hill, cross the river bearing left and turning first on the right. Follow the one way system taking the second right into St Peters Street. The Winchester Royal Hotel is immediately on the right hand side.
From the South on M3 - Exit the M3 at Junction 10 follow road signs to the town centre. At the T junction (mini roundabout) turn left. At the next roundabout turn right. Follow road to the left signed 'all routes' taking the second right into St Peters Street.
From A34 (Newbury) - Take the Winchester exit. At next roundabout take the B3420 and follow to town centre. At traffic lights turn left into main street. Hotel is 3rd street on right.
By train: Winchester Railway Station, 0.5miles
By air: Southampton International Airport, 15 miles
Tourist Information Centre 01962 840 50001962 840:
National Express: Services available to Winchester. National Express enquiries 08705 808080.
By Taxi: Winchester taxi 07919 181403 or Win taxi 01962 878737
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Member Double Ensuite Share | £199.00 | Sold Out |
| Member Twin Ensuite Share | £199.00 | Sold Out |
| Member Double for Sole Ensuite | £249.00 | Sold Out |
| Guest Twin Ensuite Share | £219.00 | Sold Out |
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