A day of Peregrine Falcons, Kingfishers and Cetti’s Warblers. Ornithology and tranquil river banks.
It started out in the drizzle, and as we passed the cathedral the Falcons were crying from the spires, clearly also disgruntled with the weather. The route winds through Winchester to the banks of the river Itchen, where it follows it to Eastleigh.
The trees and bracken were alive with birdsong. After hearing an unusual call, we booted up the app, and it identified it as the Cetti’s Warbler, and amongst the chorus, was a kingfisher call! – Although we couldn’t spot it due to the thick vegetation along the river banks.
As we went on the rain eased, and by 4km, at Compton Lock, it had stopped. We paused here for snacks, as a local wild swimming group convened to dip in the clear waters. I did suggest to my mum she could join them, but she wasn’t keen.
There was a route diversion here too, due to path works. We had to ascend a small hill into Shawford and rejoin the way there.
It continued on, progressively getting more overgrown. Narrowing the path to the point, it was a balancing act when meeting dog walkers coming in the opposite direction.
Around 11am the Sun had chased the clouds away, making it a very pleasant stroll into Eastleigh’s outskirts. We stopped for a couple of drinks at the ‘Ham Farm’ pub. The Assistant manager fascinated and amazed with our pilgrimage – I may have inspired her to undertake one!
There was no rush at this point, only 3km or so to go. We relaxed in the beer garden watching the world go by and the birds foraging for food crumbs.
The short distance back along the Itchen banks took us into the centre of Eastleigh. The place has a different vibe compared to the other towns on this route, almost like a northern coastal town that didn’t suffer the decline synonymous with them.
We had dinner and a few drinks at a craft ale bar with a Steam Train theme. The restaurant had first class train seats and the walls decorated with all things engineering.
That concluded our penultimate day, a short one into Southampton tomorrow awaits, to complete this pilgrimage.
It has passed far too quickly.
Stu's Camino 