Monday 23^rd April 2012

Woke to a cold and overcast morning in London. After a hearty breakfast we checked out of the Hotel Russell and caught a taxi to Waterloo Station. The train departed Waterloo at 10:35AM and arrived at Winchester about 11:30AM. Found the hire car place, which was next door to the station and picked up our hire car, a silver Vauxhall Insignia.  After familiarizing our selves with the controls, adjusting seats mirrors etc. we made the short trip into Winchester. The roads in the city are very narrow and are one way so after two circuits of the city we finally found the car park and set off in search of a cuppa and bite to eat. As it was now raining steadily we headed for Winchester Cathedral where we spent a few hours inside including a guided tour of the crypt. 

Back in the car at 4:00PM for the short trip to Colden Common where we are staying for the next 3 nights in The Dell B&B which is a 15^th century grade II listed cottage set in a 2 acre garden. Our room is very large and décor is modern. There is a lovely breakfast/ lounge room next to us and as it was cold when we arrived Liz, the owner, lit the fire that just added to the already fantastic atmosphere.

Tuesday 24^th April 2012

Today’s weather did not start off very promising, light rain, grey sky and 9°.

After a hot breakfast we set off for Lightwater in Surrey, about 80 klms back towards London on the M3 (Navman is fantastic) to visit Nicola’s parents Ralph & Carol, her brother Simon and nice Ffion (Welsh), where we had lunch before heading back to Winchester for more sight seeing.

Walked along the main street. Visited the City Bridge that spans the River Itchen and City Mill, a fully restored working water wheel mill that has stood at the heart of historic Winchester for over 1000 years.

Walked up to the Westgate – a fortified medieval gateway that was also a debtor’s prison for 150 years.

Next was the 13^th century Great Hall (the only surviving part of Winchester Castle) that houses The Round Table, which was associated with the Legendary King Arthur and his Knights. The table has been in the hall for over 700 years and its age and origin has been confirmed by carbon dating.

Wednesday 25^th April

Woke to rain and 9°.

Washing was the first thing on the agenda this morning so we set off to find the laundrette.

With the washing done we set off about 11:00AM to visit Simon, Sue and Ffion. They live in the small village of Medstead, which is about a 30-minute drive from Winchester.

The weather did not improve so we stayed at Simon & Sue’s for lunch. Simon, Sue and their families all have Scouting background so as the weather was not improving we sat round drinking tea and talking Scouting. Simon also got out a lot of his maps and we got some more ideas of things to see and do on our travels.

Late afternoon saw us set of for Farnham to meet Nicky & Sam for Dinner at the Shepherd & Flock Pub. It was really great to catch up with Nicky and also meet Sam. The evening was very enjoyable and we will probably try and catch up with Nicky  & Sam when we get back to London. I told Sam about the Lowlander pub we went to on our first trip and Sam is keen to go there.