Ernie's Rise to Victor's Fall Midweek Walk
3 people attending
17 places left
Note: This is a linear walk starting in Eastleigh and finishing in Shawford. A train ride is required to get back to the start point.
Eastleigh was the inspiration and setting for Benny Hill's hit record, Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West), and there’s a blue plaque in Market Street commemorating his life.
We head off along to join the Itchen Way and walk alongside part of the Itchen Navigation. A 'navigation' is a modified river, the Itchen Navigation being created in 1710 to transport barges of coal and timber from Southampton to Winchester. The old towpath is now a public footpath allowing access to the beautiful river.
Our route is home to otter, water vole, salmon and rare dragonflies and a multitude of bats and other animals. As well as the natural beauty of the river we'll pass locks restored by the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail Project that is preserving the Navigation's important industrial heritage.
We'll finish our evening walk in Shawford, famous as the setting for the final scene in the comedy series One Foot in the Grave.
What to bring
You'll need to bring some money for the transport back to Eastliegh. A single ticket will is £3.60 at the time of writing.
The last part of the walk will also be after sunset so a headtorch is required.
This is an easy walking route but, depending on the weather it could be muddy. So boots or robust trainers are recommended. There's also areas of overgrown vegetation so if you don't want to risk nettle rash long trousers are recommended.
Food & drink
Best bring some water with you.
We'll finish up at a local pub where you can buy refreshments.