Sorry for a late instalment.... I didn't have Wi-Fi last night and mobile reception was not good either...
From Arlesford to Winchester the St James's way follows the same route as the Itchen way, basically following the river Itchen from there to Southampton where it flows into the Solent.
I was dropped off by my host back at the Methodist Arlesford to continue from there. Walking started out quite difficult as my blisters were quite soar, but I put two Compeeds on both of them!
As I mentioned earlier Arlesford is known for its watercress beds, and those were the first thing I encountered on the river
but after a while the walk followed the Itchen proper:
The first significant church was in Itchen Abbas (St John the Baptist), as it looks like a very traditional Anglican church but inside there were no pews but tables and chairs - would they normally have Café church?
But also I saw an indication of my final destination : Canterbury! This church is on the beginning stages of the Pilgrims Way...
In Martyrs Worthy (the first of the Worthy places) I came across St Swithun's:
And in Kings Worthy I sat for a while at St Mary's
They had this very nice wall-hanging in the porch, portraying the church in the heart of the community
There was a nice bench where I had a long break, and I was seriously considering taking the bus to Winchester. Tempting as the bus stop was outside the church and the next bus at 3:05p (it was then 2:50p), however after a prayer and something eat I revived a bit and thought that I would not be happy with myself if I didn't finish it till the end!
The rest of the journey to Winchester was actually very good, through some nature reserves:
The first thing in Winchester was the site of Hyde Abbey of which only the gate remains:
Next to the church St Bartholomew's:
And at about 4pm I find myself in front of the Cathedral
I was expected at Winchester United (Methodist/URC) at 5pm. The arrangements were quite different there. My contact had arranged for me to meet with a few at the Church (even the Minister Tim Searle came to the meeting briefly as he had some time off!)
And then those who remained would have a bring and share there, but then decided it would be better at someone's home. So in a car we went of and had a very enjoyable dinner outside on their patio, with dessert and drinks inside.
Then afterwards I was brought to my hosts for the night who live near the United Church so I could walk from there!
Thanks to all from the United Church for your welcome!
