A project undertaken over the past year by the Meon Valley parishes is about to come into fruition with the opening of a recommended footpath/bridleway following the 30 mile length of the river Meon from the estuary at Titchfield Haven upstream to the source at East Meon.  The project commemorates the arrival during the 7th century AD of St Wilfrid and his progression up the Meon, as he converted the heathen Meonwara tribe.

St Wilfrid’s Day is Thursday 12th October, and the inauguration of the Trail has been planned for Friday 13th October.  The ceremony will consist simply of a 2½ mile walk from Hill Head Harbour (GR 530 023 – free parking along the seafront) to Titchfield church.  The walk will start at 5.00pm.  Refreshments will be provided at Titchfield church, followed by a short service at 6.30pm.

A guide-book has been prepared and is available in all the Meon Valley churches at £4.  The guide-book gives historical information about the area and details of the churches.  It also includes a walking guide which lays out the walk in easy sections (parts of the route follow bridleways and are suitable for horse-riders and cyclists).  The route covers an interesting variety of scenery, and there are few steep inclines.  There is very little road work, but the ground surface is generally good.

It would be nice to think that Wickham will provide a good contingent for the opening ceremony, and that this project will offer encouragement for exploring the Meon valley countryside and its many ancient village churches.

Robert Goulson