I'm sure this would be a beautiful route in the right conditions but unfortunately we had to turn back after only 10 minutes as the river had burst it's bank and the path was completely flooded. We've not had any rain for a few weeks now but the path was still unaccusable. We did meet some walkers equipped with waders and walking poles so if you are going to do this route, make sure you're prepared for flooding....

Joanne

Following a lot of rain over Christmas and New Year, the Itchen was flooded across the path in several places particularly in the middle section beyond Shawford....

Paul Coverdale

Instead, we went from the train station, along Leigh Road, cut across Fleming Park up through the old golf course to Cambridge drive and then when we got to Bournemouth Road we followed the path around to Templars Way, along the cycle path on Castle Lane, turning right onto Botley Road, then right onto Nutburn, picking the route up at the top of the hill....

Jane Costello

We found that the route once alongside the river was clearly signposted and therefore easy to navigate....

Simon Ferguson

The section between Eastleigh and Itchen Valley Country park was very narrow due to vegetation growth (don't wear shorts if you don't like being stung by nettles), at times we had to crouch quite low to get under branches etc. Unlike mentioned in other reviews the path was very dry. The Bittern to Southampton central section was much more accessible and included places to sit and drink before moving on....

Simon Ferguson

The section between Eastleigh and Itchen Valley Country park was very narrow due to vegetation growth (don't wear shorts if you don't like being stung by nettles), at times we had to crouch quite low to get under branches etc. Unlike mentioned in other reviews the path was very dry. The Bittern to Southampton central section was much more accessible and included places to sit and drink before moving on....

Simon Ferguson

Things get interesting when you pick up the Itchen Navigation Trial pathway, where the pathway becomes very narrow and overgrown and tricky to negotiate in places, with plenty of obstacles to keep you on your toes. Combined with the narrow and neglected towpaths, plenty of buzzy things buzzing around your head made the stretch along the Navigation Trial feel a little claustrophobic and a bit of a slog at times....

snail

I enjoyed walking this route, however it is definitely one to avoid after prolonged and heavy rainfall, as extended stretches of the Itchen Navigation Trail towpath are flooded and impassable. When I walked this route yesterday, the water flowed over the top of my wellies! That being said, it is a pleasant route and one that I will walk again in the spring / summer season when it should be drier....

snail

Overall though, it was an easy-to-follow linear route, and with good public transport options at each end it's easy to get home if you're too tired to walk back the other way :) not many spots to be able to sit down and take a break en route though (aside from the aforementioned pub) so bear this in mind if 12k is more than you usually do in one stretch...

Leanne B

I walked the route from Eastleigh to Hedge End. I didn't encounter any trees blocking the route as described in the previous reviews so I presume these have now been cleared. The route does provide a way to walk between Hedge End and Eastleigh however I wouldn't rush to repeat it; I feel this route is means to an end rather than a pleasant relaxing walk....

David B

If not for the heavy rain good walking shoes should be sufficient for this route....

Adam Kockott

I walked this in early November on a dry day after 2 weeks of torrential rain and the path was muddy but passable and easy to follow....

Shona Goonewardena

Except for this one patch, walking boots would be fine, however due to it I would recommend walking in wellies if there has been bad weather recently....

Tom P

This is a very picturesque route, with lovely views of the river Itchen and the surrounding water meadows....

Chris Puzey

I wouldn't refuse to walk this route again, but it wouldn't be top of my list....

thiswormjim

There was some road walking, but it felt safe to me, and there was one loud road (pavement) section, which was along Winchester Road by ASDA. The first of the two diversions is around ASDA, which the route suggests you can bypass by going around the back of ASDA via the B&Q headquarters car park. The route suggests you should walk along Lord's Hill Way and then cut across to Tangmere Drive. I walked the route on a Saturday, and that road was very busy....

thiswormjim

I added a few deviations, inspired by the route of the St James Way, the pilgrims route from Reading to Southampton....

pmostert

I added a few deviations, inspired by Soueas 2 and by the route description of St James Way, the pilgrims route from Reading to Southampton, which ends at God's House Tower....

pmostert

I walked it in the heart of the dry period of early August and that made new routes possible in the Itchen Valley Nature reserve. I had a lovely day, walking from Winchester to Southampton in one go....

pmostert

The route says to walk further south of the playground to find a crossing point over the stream....

thiswormjim

Follows the Itchen navigation path until you reach Bitterne. Suitable for walkers only from Eastleigh to Bitterne due to narrow paths, routes and can be very muddy after prolonged rainfall. From Bitterne to Southampton route is suitable access for all....

nanimal

Interesting water meadows, and generally decent paths. Is susceptible to flooding, particularly in winter, between Otterbourne and Shawford...

JamesBeer

Not as off road as Soueas two but allows access to refreshment facilities at Itchen Valley Country Park...

John

More off road but misses refreshments potential at Itchen Valley Country Park...

John

The 'path' across the field is very boggy (even in summer) and I would suggest continuing east from West Horton Farm towards Lake Farm and then turning south to walk through the farm buildings....

John Porteous

Easy walking on roads and surfaced paths for the first section, then a pleasant woodland walk following the Itchen Way along the route of the Itchen Navigation. Can get very muddy in wet weather. The route map appears to take an unnecessary detour and probably needs to be corrected....

cathw

There is a 1 km stretch along an unpaved minor road (Allington Lane) which has recently become very busy and consequently it is not particularly pleasant to walk....

John Porteous

Walked part of this route from bottom of Albrook Hill to Winchester in October 2020. It's a nice level walk along the river into Winchester. Can be muddy and flooded in places particularly after heavy rain....

Andy Attwood

A lovely route once you cross the Itchen at St Denys and then can walk the Itchen Navigation all the way to Eastleigh which is delightful. Would really recommend as I walk and cycle this route often. You do need to be careful in winter as the river path can be flooded....

James Brown

East of Halterworth, a footpath can be followed eastwards from Halterworth Lane to Highwood Lane, south of the existing route....

nickw4426

At the time I walked it, a section close to Otterbourne was closed - most likely due to flooding - and as a result a short on road detour was required in order to rejoin the path. It must be noted the path is quite narrow and as a result frequent stops are necessary in order to allow walkers travelling in the opposite direction to pass....

miloh