Compton Lock
On this walk, children will enjoy wild swimming at Compton Lock, a picnic beside the water and the wildlife in and beside The Itchen Navigation.
The Basics
Time: 50 minutes
Distance: 2.8 km
Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows and roads
Pushchair: No, the riverside paths are narrow and uneven
Dogs: Yes, with spots where they can swim
Refreshments: A picnic by the lock, The Bridge Pub in Shawford or Platform One Coffee House and Gelato
Toilets: At the train station
Parking: On roads around Shawford Station (W3W: rods/drove/critic - Postcode: SO21 2BN)j
Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Winchester you can walk beside the idyllic Itchen Navigation and even take a dip at a popular wild swimming spot.
The Route
Follow the road from the station down to the bridge over the river. Take the left hand path on the other side of the bridge and follow this with the river on your left.
It is about a ten minute walk to Compton Lock. The disused lock forms a perfect swimming pool. There are steps down to the water, but be warned that this is deep water with a strong current and is only suitable for strong swimmers, not paddlers. Competent swimmers can lie on their backs, float on the current and exit the water further down. There is a grassy area perfect for drying off and picnicking. The whole area can get busy during hot weather, so avoid peak times if you want a peaceful walk!
Opposite the lock is a gate and a path straight across the meadow. Follow this to the other side and then continue with the fence to your left. Look out for cows grazing in the meadow.
You will shortly come to a bridge over the river. We found a rope swing here, although it was a bit high and deep for my girls. After the bridge, continue into the village of Twyford. Pass the churchyard on your right and then take the path on the right, passing directly beside the church.
After the church, take the narrow path down to your right. You will have a hedge to your left and views of meadows and the distant river to your right.
The path will emerge at some houses. Keep going straight until you hit a T junction with another road. Turn right and follow the road, crossing the bridge. Although it is a relatively busy road, it is wide and we felt we had the space to keep away from any traffic. Shortly after the bridge, you can use a path to duck into a meadow to avoid the road for a short distance. Where the path ends, you should return to the road and follow it back to Shawford and your car.
We recommend viewing the map as a Trails Map:
Did you know?
Twyford Waterworks is a preserved pumping station and waterworks situated about a mile to the east of the village. It is a scheduled monument and now operates as a museum, which you can visit.