First attempt @ Travel Blogging.

For WINOL Travel and Adventure Magazine. Issue March/April 2013.

P1: ST. CATHERINE'S HILL.

St. Catherine’s Hill is the perfect place to get all ‘camera happy’ with 143 acres of pure green land offering a view unlike any other; the opportunity to sit and overlook the whole of Winchester; from the Town Square to the Cathedral.

I have now lived in Winchester for a year and a half, and as a student I don’t tend to get out much… in the country that is. Originally from relatively rural Southwick, I would frequent the South Downs with the family - complete with Bear Hunts, of course. Whenever I’m home I still find myself trekking uphill towards that fenced off clearing. It’s nice to be able to have a place of solitude, somewhere to escape from the bustling of the city and the stresses of University life.

There’s always that added excitement to explore. Granted, St. Catherine’s is a very hilly area (much like the whole of Winchester) which I would not recommend for the light-footed; especially after heavy rainfall. You’re bound to find yourself in some sort of sticky situation, whether it’s almost losing a shoe (bring adequate footwear) or unintentionally slipping/skiing down a steep hill or falling butt first in a pile of mud (luckily this didn't happen, but it was a close call). 

Similar to home, the cattle are left to roam free in the fields. From experience they can be relatively tame, I even managed to approach one, but they have an awful habit of giving you that vacant stare or peeing in your general direction (if that’s not a hint, then I don’t know what is). St. Catherine’s is also said to be populated by Shetland Sheep, though I’m guessing they’re a rare find in this weather; probably off exploring some bramble… or avoiding the socially inept cows. 

Had the weather been nicer I would have settled down for a picnic, but it was way too cold and windy for that. We came across tons of suitable spots; there’s always one path that’ll lead to come kind of clearing. It’s like a little loop the loop; only you’re not being thrown in the air at 100 mph (debatable). It’s been owned by Winchester College for approximately 130 years and I believe this historical site is a great scenic route around Winchester. Even if it is just to walk the dog. 

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P2: WINNALL MOORS.

Suitable for the less adventurous, Winnall Moors is a stone throw away from the main town. This 158 acre open landscape captures the true beauty of Winchester and is completely hill free.

One of the Moors most redeeming features has to be the River Itchen that follows a narrow path all around this tranquil site. You may come across the odd occasional duck (sorry, Mallard) and territorial swan - it features an abundance of wildlife; a stark contrast to the busy city that leads along to it. I always find myself walking or driving past and once I finally had the time, I decided to explore the city that I am to potentially spend the last of my educated life.

What I failed to realise is it’s also a particularly nice place to spend quality time. With most youth these days rather investing their time in technology or brain numbing TV shows (guilty), I’d rather enjoy the simpler things in life. There are a tremendous amount of bridges to cross (most serve as shortcuts) and an array of wildlife (unfortunately no cattle) which makes it impossible to get bored; even if you are known for your short attention span.  

- It truly is a great way to pass the time as long as you remember to wrap up warm – the Angry Birds hat served me well (with no attempt to provoke whatsoever). And don’t under any circumstances attempt to dip your foot in the river - less adventurous, rather more careless. This is simply a place for a little peace and quiet, a smidgen of solitude and reflection and the fact that no dogs are allowed makes it a haven for joggers and exercise fanatics alike. 

The area is maintained by the Wildlife Trust and though not particularly considered visually interesting from the outside, once inside, Winnall Moors is the epitome of a natural/open landscape. The way the trees would drape over you in a perfectly shaped arch, the way the rustic bridges allowed easy access to the finer details and just the peacefulness of it all - it’s visually stunning in every aspect. Worth a visit (just remember to leave the dog at home).

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