River Itchen

The River Itchen rises south of New Alresford and flows 42 kilometres to meet Southampton Water. It passes through agricultural land and villages before reaching Winchester. The river’s chalk waters once powered City Mill and still run close to the cathedral’s foundations. Winchester’s Roman walls border one stretch known as The Weirs. Beyond the city the river spreads into water-meadows and country parkland. The Itchen is one of the world’s finest chalk streams for fly fishing. Its upper reaches grow watercress and feed a 748.5-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest. The river supports rare species such as the southern damselfly and white-clawed crayfish. Otters and water voles live along its banks, while salmon and shovelers visit the waters. In 2022 the biological status of the Itchen was rated good. Visitors follow the Itchen Way along the old navigation towpath. The river passes St Cross Hospital and the Hospital of St Cross before reaching Twyford and Shawford. Below Mansbridge the water becomes tidal and passes several marinas and boatyards. Rowing clubs and sailing centres line the estuary, with the biggest marina offering a 200-tonne boat lift. The river finally meets Southampton Water near the Itchen Bridge.