How to get there - This trip starts half a mile from the M3. Northbound take the exit at Junction 10 and at the roundabout take the first exit into Bull Drove/ Garnier Road. Go down the hill, under the railway bridge and into the car park on the left. There is a 2 meter height restriction.
Southbound, leave the M3 at Junction 9 and at the roundabout take the first exit into Spitfire Link (A272). At the Spitfire Roundabout take the second exit into St Catherine's Wat (A31) and take the first exit , passing under the motorway. At the next roundabout go past the incoming sliproad and take the first exit into Bull Drove/ Garnier Road. Go down the hill, under the railway bridge and into the car park on the left. There is a 2 meter height restriction.
For those with SatNav the postcode is O23 9PA.
Get a map with driving directions to start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - Simply launch over the bank.
General
Description - This is a short (2 mile) lock free trip on the disused Itchen Navigation. Although established by several Acts of Parliament which have never been repealed you may find there are those that will dispute your right of navigation so be prepared to be politely assertive.
Head north first for half a mile to Wharf Bridge which was the limit of Navigation. What is now Winchester College Rowing Club was one of the main wharfs for the barge traffic from Southampton.
Turn around and retrace your steps but continue south for a further half mile to the remains of St Catherines Lock. If you want to get out to explore you are best to do this shortly before the lock on the left.
St Catherine's Hill, part of the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty rises to the east and across the water-meadows to the west in the Hospital of St Cross. This has more to do with hospitality rather than any medical context. Here was a regular stopping place for those on pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Swithan at Winchester Cathedral. You can still claim the Wayfarers Dole (some bread and a small horn of beer -London Pride) in return for a small donation. To get to St Cross however you are best to go back to the car-park and follow the road west until you pick up the Clarendon Way just after the river (as opposed to the Navigation).
Comments on this trip
Ionkar Angulo 13 Jul 2016
Good morning,I am interested in spending a weekend in Winchester, the 23rd and the 24th July. On Saturday we are going to see the city but on Sunday morning we would love to do kayaking and/or canoeing.I have checked your website and I have found a lot information. Would it be possible to organize something with you for the 24th July in the morningWe are two adults.jcarlos.angulomecd.esThank you very much,
