Our day started with a full English breakfast at the restaurant here at our inn. The only time I eat such huge breakfasts is when I am on trips like these—I’m not sure if they are called full English because of the many items you get or because you are definitely full after eating them. I didn’t ask for everything, but I definitely was full! The options included eggs, English bacon, sausages, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, beans, hash browns, and toast! I could have had all of that if I wanted.

Today was fun and interesting. June and John joined David and me as we walked down to the river and to the City Mill. Along the way, we passed a fabulous building, Guildhall Winchester. It is used for Council and public meetings as well as being a venue for cultural and private events.

After we got to the Itchen River, we followed it for a while. There are some remnants of the Roman wall along here. We spent a good amount of time exploring Wolvesey Castle which was a medieval palace where the bishop lived.  I didn’t know there was a difference between a castle and a palace so I looked it up and found this: “The key difference between a castle and a palace lies in their primary purpose: castles are primarily fortified, defensive structures, while palaces are grand, luxurious residences, often serving as royal or governmental buildings, designed for comfort and display of power.” Apparently Wolvesey was built as a palace for the bishops and later fortified so now it is called Wolvesey Castle.

Somewhere along the way, we left the river and started following a canal. The signposts all said the path was called  “Itchen Navigation.” It was a lovely walk; the weather was beautiful, and we just strolled along to the turn-off for St Catherine’s Hill. After a quick stop at the Cadence Cafe for a cool drink and a Billionaire Bar (layers of chocolate and caramel on shortbread—yum!). We climbed up and over St. Catherine’s Hill and took in the views. Both sides had stairs, but the side we came down had many more. The climb up wasn’t bad at all and once at the top the views were wide open.

We headed back then along the other side of the canal, eventually passing through Kingsgate, an old gate to the city. A little bookstore was tucked in the middle of it. John took the lead guiding us back through the quiet streets to our inn. All in all, it was a lovely walk and afternoon.

• To Moreton-in-Marsh, April 29
• To Chipping Camden, April 28
• To Stanton, April 27
• To Winchcombe, April 26
• To Guiting Power, April 25
• To Bourton-on-the-Water, April 24
• To Stow-on-the-Wold, April 23
• A Rest Day and a Train Trip to Remember, April 21-22
• To Eastbourne, April 20
• To Alfriston, April 19
• To Kingston/Lewes, April 18
• To Poynings, April 17
• To Bramber/Upper Beeding, April 16
• Rest Day in Amberley
• To Amberley, April 14
• To Cocking, April 13
• To Buriton, April 12
• To Meonstoke, April 11
• Winchester, April 10
• Winchester, April 9
• To Winchester, April 7-8