Walk along the Itchen

One of our favourite walks which we haven't been able to do during the winter as it has been so wet and parts of it floods. A lot of work has been done along the river to preserve the walks which in places has water on each side. It was lovely to feel the warmth of the sun.  We park the car at Itchen Stoke (Abbotstone) and then walk on he path along the river to the Bush pub and then along a very narrow road up towards the mill and then right up to the main road across the ford, and back down to the car.  A circular walk that takes about half an hour, or longer if you tarry on the bridges crossing the river to watch the swans which today were out of sight, one nesting in the thick of the willows along the edge of the river.

The sky was amazing this day, but not quite so blue as in the picture!  This is the River Itchen near Ovington.

The Bush at Ovington - half way round the walk we love doing - and a super pub for lunch or just a quiet drink.

The redundant Anglican church of St Mary in Abbotstone, near Itchen Stoke and at the start of the walk along the River Itchen to Ovington.   It was built in 1856 in early French style.

The wonderful pattern of the roof tiles on the church of St Mary.

This picture and the following two are capturing the beautiful soft colours of the stained glass windows with the sun shining through and casting colourful shadows.

This blossom tree is always a picture and stands at the front of the church.  The first real signs of spring in sunshine with a blue sky - a joy to behold!

The burial ground around the church is still in use with some very recent graves and at this time of year it is full of wild primroses.  Earlier it was full of snowdrops.