Alresford Waterways and Watercress

Start point: Arlebury Park Long Stay Car Park (parking is free for first 2 hours) what3words ///boosted.approvals.corrode. Also served by the No. 64 bus connecting Alton and Winchester. New Alresford was established as a market town in 1189 by Henri de Blois, Bishop of Winchester, and was originally called Novum Forum (Latin for "New Market"). It was one of six new towns developed by the Bishop of Winchester, and it became one of his most profitable settlements.

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From the Arlebury Park Long Stay Car Park head north through the recreation grounds to the kissing gate at the bottom of the field. When you reach the River Arle, turn right and walk alongside the river. On your way you will pass the Hambone Jr. Memorial, a unique and touching tribute to a beloved regimental mascot, a mongrel dog, of the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Division, U.S. Army during World War II, who were present in Alresford.

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When you reach the road continue to follow the path alongside the river.

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Turn left over the bridge in front of the picturesque 13th century Fulling Mill and then follow the track to the right. The mill played a crucial role in Hampshire’s medieval textile industry, using water-powered machinery to beat, cleanse and shrink woolen cloth (a process called fulling). Positioned on the River Alre, the mill had access to a steady water supply, making it an ideal site.

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When you reach the road turn left and then in 100m take the footpath on the right. Keep following the footpath alongside the watercress fields and then some fields. It requires another right at the fork after the watercress fields. Watercress has grown wild in the chalk streams around Alresford for centuries, likely harvested by locals long before it became a commercial crop. The arrival of the railway in 1865 transformed watercress farming into a major industry, allowing fresh cress to be transported to London. But by 1925, modern cultivation methods and an agreed code of practice were introduced to improve hygiene and efficiency, leading to the decline of smaller growers. You can somewhat experience this journey by taking a trip on the historic Watercress Railway between Alresford and Alton. Watercress farming in Alresford is still thriving, with several key producers maintaining the town’s reputation as the watercress capital of the UK, which is celebrated by the Watercress festival every year in May.

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The path will lead onto a small road. At the end of the road, turn right and follow this around to the village green. You are now on small section of the Oxdrove way. The trail forms a 25-mile loop, passing through Preston Down, Bradley, Upper Wield, Old Alresford, Itchen Down, and Abbotstone.

The Oxdrove Way was historically used as a drovers' route for cattle, allowing farmers to move livestock across Hampshire. It wasn’t exclusively for Alresford market, it was part of a wider network of ancient drove roads that connected rural areas to market towns.

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Follow the road that keeps the village green on the left and very carefully cross the B3046. There is a footpath slightly to the left on the opposite side. Follow this and turn right when you reach the wall.

You are now in Old Alresford, which has a rich history dating back centuries. The village and its church can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Old Alresford is also near the Pilgrims' Way, a historic route between Winchester and Canterbury.

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St. Mary's Church in Old Alresford was recorded in the Domesday Book, highlighting a significant long-standing presence in the area. The current brick and flint building was constructed in the 18th century, replacing earlier structures. The church is famous for being the founding place of the Mothers' Union, an international Christian charity that supports families and communities worldwide. It was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, the wife of the rector. She was inspired to create the organisation after the birth of her first grandchild, remembering the challenges she faced as a young mother. Today, it operates in 83 countries with around four million members, working to strengthen family life and advocate for social justice. Once you have had a look at St Mary’s Church cross back over the B3046 turn left and follow the footpath.

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300m after the church the road splits into a green triangle. Beyond it the footpath is straight ahead. It will take you now past the Town Mill into Broad Street. Originally laid out as a market square in the 13th century, Broad Street has hosted sheep fairs, pleasure fairs, and military gatherings over the centuries.

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Walk up Broad Street to the top then turn right down West Street, back to the car park. Whilst you meander through New Alresford, you may notice the Georgian Architecture. New Alresford suffered several devastating fires, including one in 1644, when Royalist troops burned the town during the English Civil War, and others in 1689 and 1736.