Hampshire man writes guidebook on Winchester walks

Malcolm Leatherdale, 78, from Chilbolton near Stockbridge has written a new guidebook for Cicerone’s Short Walk series.

Walkers of all abilities can now read about Malcolm’s 15 selected routes across Winchester and surrounding areas, accompanied by easy-to-follow Ordnance Survey maps, local history, beauty spots and refreshment stop recommendations.

Most of the walks can be completed in under three hours, with an average length of four miles, and steer clear of challenging terrain and complicated navigation.

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Malcolm Leatherdale exploring Winchester (Image: Cicerone Press)

Mr Leatherdale has spent much of his life in Winchester as a student at Peter Symonds and then as a solicitor.

The guidebook writer, now retired, said: “This book has brought together my interest in the history of Winchester and central Hampshire and my genuine enthusiasm for walking and ‘the great outdoors’.

“We’re very fortunate to be in a special part of the world with its unique geological and scenic qualities although we may not always have the time to enjoy them as much as we would like. One of the principal reasons for writing the Winchester short walks book is that I wanted to share a selection of the delightful places we have on our doorstep.

“The six walks starting and finishing in Winchester and the nine out and back walks around the Itchen and Test Valley are based on my own experience drawn over a long period time and I hope that residents and many visitors will be encouraged to explore the area.

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'We're very fortunate to be in a special part of the world' (Image: Cicerone Press)

“The chalk streams in Hampshire have been described as ‘gin clear’ especially the rivers Itchen and Test world renowned for their bio diversity and rare habitats. From time immemorial these iconic rivers have supported an array of elusive fresh water fish that have enthralled generations of the fly-fishing fraternity including the ‘Compleat Angler’ Izaac Walton no less. The fact that these magnificent rivers are also set in glorious rolling chalk downland created over millions of years is the proverbial icing on the cake.

“In the midst of this geological masterpiece sits Winchester, a pivotal link in our history particularly the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex and the English Civil War for example. The city lies on the edge of the dramatic South Downs National Park and the remarkable statue of King Alfred the Great in the Broadway is virtually at the start of the 100 mile National Trail the South Downs Way to Eastbourne.”

Short Walks Around Winchester by Malcolm Leatherdale is now available to pre-order on the Cicerone Press website. The guidebook will also be available in selected shops from September 26.

For more go to cicerone.co.uk/short-walks-winchester-first.