Itchen Stoke and Ovington
New Alresford
Children will enjoy spotting fish from the foot bridges and paddling in the river on this walk.
The walk crosses the Itchen a few times
The Basics
Time: 45 mins
Distance: 2.3 km / 1.4 miles
Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows that can be very wet in winter, footbridges, narrow rough path with a step down, and a quiet country lane with no pavement.
Pushchairs: You could probably get as far as the pub with a pushchair, but the full circuit would be too difficult.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk, but you will be likely to meet cattle in the meadow.
Refreshments: The Bush Inn, Ovington.
Toilets: There are no public toilets unless you are visiting the pub.
Public Transport: Stagecoach service 67 from Winchester to Petersfield stops at St. Mary’s Church at the top of Water Lane. The walk starts at the end of this lane.
Parking: A small area of free parking at the end of Water Lane in Itchen Stoke. Look for the dead end turning opposite the church (Postcode: SO24 0QZ - W3W: ///honeybees.tells.fanfare)
The Bush Inn has a riverside garden
This walk near Alresford is the perfect length for little legs, and there will be no complaining, as the impeccably clear waters of the Itchen will provide them with plenty of river wildlife to observe, and at one point they can even get their toes in the water too.
The Route
The walk begins at the very end of Water Lane, after the parking area. Within about 25 metres, you will arrive at the first little bridge and a paddling area.
The path continues by bearing left, with the river on either side. There are many opportunities to stop and look for fish and other wildlife along the way. Cross the next wooden bridge and very soon you will be presented with the welcoming sight of The Bush Inn, Ovington with a large beer garden beside the river.
The path passes the pub and arrives at the road. Cross and take the road going up hill straight ahead. After a short climb, take the first right at a barn type building with a village notice board on. Follow Lovington Lane. It has no pavement, but is quiet and we have not met a single car either time we have done this walk!
Pass by Lovington House on your right and look for the narrow footpath on your right, just after a pair of field gates facing each other with ‘private’ signs on. It has become a bit of a scramble down to join this path and it is quite rough and rutted. Follow the path as it heads back down towards the river.
Cross a series of two bridges and then come out in a meadow on the other side of the river. This meadow is likely to have cattle in, so make sure your dog is on a lead.
Follow the rough path across the meadow and follow it as it veers to the right. Houses will be in view to your left and you should continue across the meadow until you reach the gate back into the parking area.
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Did you know?
The River Itchen is not just good for a paddle; it is one of the world’s premier chalk streams for fly fishing and in its upper reaches watercress is farmed.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one at Avington which also crosses over the River Itchen on its journey towards Winchester
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