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Winchester Mizmaze
About The Place…
(an alternative day out: walk into town via the River Itchen) If you have a pushchair, then instruct your mother-in-law to take the babies in the push-chair along the path beside the river and meet you at the bottom of the steps (about 1/2 mile along, near the waterfall). Tell her that you’ll only be about two hours
Aside: Its worth noting that there must be a kiddie-magnetic force buried at the top of this hill – not once in our many visits did our kids ever ask us to carry them up the hill. No other hill in Hampshire has had this effect on them. Its probably the air, the trees, the gentle slopes, the …who knows, magic enchantments left by elves?
Count the steps…there’s probably over a hundred. Thankfully, there is a bench to rest on half-way up. This whole place made it into the top 10 list of Britain’s spiritual places in 2003. Soon, you’ll know why: you’ll be praying the stairs come to an end!
The Mizmaze is not really a maze – its more like 624m of footpath cramped into the space occupied by a small house. Technically, I guess it is a labyrinth, not a maze. There’s a sign nearby that tells you a bit about the history of the thing; and shows you its path.
If you’ve regained your balance from doing all the twists and turns in the Mizmaze, then find your way into the nearby woods. Walk on a bit and come to the chalk path, “Dongas”, around the top of the hill to overlook some pretty countryside…and the M3 cut-through (see a photo elsewhere on the web of the protest at the time). There are fantastic views of the city, including Winchester Cathedral.
Take a ball with you (football, not tennis ball!), and toss it down the hill from the top of the stairs. Just watch your kids gape in awe as it bouces down the steep hill. Then catch yourselves watching your kids rolling down the hill as they chase after it. Bring plenty of plasters (mostly for yourselves – your kids will escape unscathed we’re sure!).
Walk to the left (after you come down the stairs) and you will eventually find yourself near the old, disused train viaduct - you can climb up a few stairs to it and have a peek over the side: the M3 to the left and a beautiful valley to the right.
This path is suitable for push-chairs, except for two styles which your mother-in-law will have to help you lift the buggy over! Both are within about 20m of each other.
Other ReadingIf this article was helpful, then why not buy us a beer (or some juice for the kids): LocationSt Catherine’s Hill Wildlife Reserve OS Map no. 185 Grid reference: SU 484 276 +44 (0) 1489 774400The car park is off of Garnier Road, Winchester, Hampshire. Google map of St.Catherine’s Hill, Winchester, Hampshire, UK 3 comments to Winchester Mizmaze |
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[...] raised ourselves to new heights: we hiked up Beacon Hill. Good thing we had trained by climbing St. Catherine’s Hill in Winchester…this one was much higher (or so it seemed). Up, up, up we went. Being blown off [...]
Hi, really happy to comment on this post. We took this walk today (myself and my 5 year old twins). We had a brilliant time.
Your post was what decided the trip, thanks so much!
[...] Winchester Mizmaze [...]