The Watercress Way – The Story So Far

In 2012 a mile long section of the disused railway in Martyr Worthy was designated as a public footpath, with permissive cycling. It was maintained by Hampshire County Council and has become very well used by local people.

The project to open up more of the disused railway lines was conceived in September 2015 when a  public meeting attracted wide support and a group was set up to form The Watercress Way charity.

A team of 4 initial trustees agreed to form a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and a constitution was written which was formally registered with the Charity Commission on 16 June 2016, number 1167675.

Since then we have recruited more trustees up to a maximum of 12 to provide a wide range of skills and expertise. In 2021 we had 11 trustees.

 In 2016 we launched our website www.thewatercressway.org.uk which has been the main conduit for reporting news and information about the route. Over the last few years we have developed our social media presence and have nearly 1500 followers on Facebook and 875 on Instagram.

We identified an initial 26 mile circular route from Alresford, along the Itchen Valley to Kings Worthy, up the old railway line to South Wonston and then on to Sutton Scotney. Returning to Alresford along the ancient Droves. It uses a mixture of paths which are all rights of way. We have been recognised and supported by the South Downs National Park and by all the relevant local authorities including Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council. The path is waymarked in both directions using our distinctive logo and we are working with the Ordnance Survey for it to be officially included on their maps.

We invited local people to become Friends of the Way, previously Friends of the Line, and have 370 on our email distribution list.

We designed and printed a promotional leaflet, now in its 5th iteration, which is displayed in local tourist centres and businesses. In addition, we have leaflet boxes on the route.

The Watercress Way holds a Dawn to Dusk Day each year – a whole day event starting with a dawn chorus walk at 4:30 am and including guided walks and events for children. In addition, we hold a series of guided walks which are very popular and these are now supported by guides on the website. The 8 walk challenge provides a series of shorter walks covering the whole of the route. For the enthusiastic walker or runner there is a whole route guide.

In November 2018 we sourced wood for benches using locally sourced oak and installed 3 on the ‘Golden Mile’ in Martyr Worthy. An original designed GWR bench was erected at the Gratton in Sutton Scotney. We designed and commissioned 3 Interpretation Boards which were sited at Couch Green, South Wonston and the Gratton in February 2019.

In April 2019 we obtained permission from HCC to open up the railway bridge at Sutton Scotney. Thanks to a grant from Wonston Parish Council this was completed and we have continued to maintain the site to increase biodiversity. Unfortunately, we have not been granted access to a permissive path along the old track bed despite repeated appeals to the landowner.

During the Covid pandemic and lockdown from March 2020 to date our practical work has been curtailed but a lot of planning has taken place. We have manged to continue to help maintain the ‘Golden Mile’ in martyr Worthy and at Worthy Down Halt. See the End of Year Report 2021 for details.

The story continues . . . .