Access and facilities

The Way is The waymarked for walkers. Watercress Ordnance Survey Map OL32 is useful to Way supplement the way markers. Check our website for Registered Charity 1167675 maps with some A 26-mile circular trail along old alternative sections to the waymarked walking trail railway lines and ancient droves for cyclists and riders, avoiding footpaths. near , , for There are many smaller circular loops of walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. between 1-5 miles, and the trail’s slight gradient makes it attractive for all abilities and we are increasing access for those with reduced mobility. The trail intersects or partly follows some other famous walks: the Itchen Way, Wayfarers Walk, , St Swithun’s Way and the Millennium Trail. has the most facilities, bus services and public carparks, as well as The steam trains. Village halls and recreation grounds in the other villages also have carparks. There are over 10 pubs and hotels on or close to the trail, many offering parking and B&B. The Watercress Way users code: Respect other users of the trail and neighbours. Please keep to the trail Email info@thew atercressway.org.uk and do not trespass. Protect the environment: remove litter. Dogs are Webpage www.thewatercressway.org.uk welcome- but under control, especially during see also Facebook and Twitter bird nesting. Please clear up any mess. Enjoy The Watercress Way!

What is The Watercress Heritage Wildlife and conservation Way? This marathon length circular trail passes through beautiful downland and along the River Itchen. It uses parts of two disused railways, linked by footpaths, bridleways, and mainly minor roads. The Watercress Way charity is working with many other people to increase access to the old railway lines. You may see us at fetes and The The two 19th Century railways and ancient shows and the Alresford Watercress Festival. South Downs droves have a fascinating history, steeped in Watch out for special events: Dawn to Dusk National Park politics. activity days, sponsored events, competitions, northern The railways dramatically changed and activities for young children. boundary runs Hampshire’s landscape by their cuttings and along the old Watercress Support The Watercress embankments and many bridges with superb Line and part of The Watercress Way. The Way brickwork. The Mid Hants line, nicknamed the trail passes through many conservation Watercress Line, made Alresford famous areas. The two old railways act as wildlife nationally for watercress The trustees at corridors and sanctuaries. The River production. This intersected the the outdoor Itchen is world famous AGM, Didcot- railway at for its fishing. Worthy Down , where Worthy Down Halt, 2017 platform is the trail’s best preserved artefact. Look out for: bullfinches, Look out for others: old sleepers, telegraph Become a Friend by signing up online and buzzards, red kites, brown poles, stone ballast, actual tracks…….. receive free regular email updates. trout, deer, red admiral In the 1960’s the rise of motorised transport Volunteer to help basic clearance and butterflies and signs of bats and ‘Beeching cuts’ closed the lines, thence maintenance: one off or regular sessions are and badgers. both welcome. sold off to multiple landowners. Leisure

Sponsorship is essential to fund increasing demands since have resulted in the opening Beautiful trees and plants our access to the old railway lines, and for for public access of almost 4000 miles of line the route, including ‘lords and ladies’ publicity, interpretation, and basic disused railways in the UK. and wild garlic. Look out for ‘King Alfred equipment. Gift aid makes a difference: the The ancient Droves between cakes’ fungi on ash trees. website has a My Donate link. and Alresford were Plant growth since railway closure means once vital routes for Sponsors active management is needed to maintain people , Winchester, Kings Worthy, the rich chalk down land ecology, such as and , , , Itchen regular cutting and nutrient reduction. You Valley and New Alresford councils. South Downs livestock. may find log piles deliberately left for National Park, Gratton Trust, Winchester Ramblers, Many have been metalled but Worthys Conservation Volunteers invertebrate habitats. place names give clues to their Avington Park, The Bell, The Plough, Wonston Arms, Devised by Kim Adams April 2018 King Charles, Globe, Cricketers, Horse & Groom, past: Oxdrove, Hutt, Clump, Painngs by Emma Lowres Chestnut Horse, Coach & Horses, Meridian Foods, Woolpack, Downs Lanes Train from The Watercress Line Mid Hants Railway Jude’s Ice-cream, Cedars vets, Boomtown