Rediscover an ancient relationship with nature. One that our ancestors understood intimately but we've forgotten along the way.
Based in and around Winchester, Hampshire, our walks aren't really about covering ground; they're about uncovering the stories and seasonal wisdom that live within our local landscapes. From the whispered legends tucked into ancient woodlands to the healing rhythms of the Wheel of the Year, we explore how nature has always been our greatest teacher.
Upcoming walks
Beltane - 1st May
By the first of May, the land is fully awake - it’s a time of abundance and of joy. Join us for an early evening walk on St Giles Hill to celebrate Beltane and revel in the season’s energy.
The land will be bursting with life, and as we wander past hawthorns and lush green growth, we’ll look ahead to early summer, delighting in what brings us joy on these longer, lighter days.
We’ll breathe in the pre-dusk warmth and hope to catch a glimpse of the rising full moon – the first of two this month – before heading home with full hearts and lighter loads.
What to expect
An evening walk around 60-90 minutes from the city centre up to St Giles Hill and back
The ascent is steep in places, with woodland paths
Moments of quiet observation and seasonal reflection
The history and folklore of Beltane and this ancient gathering place
Connection with others who want to mark the turning of the year in good company
Date: Friday 1st May
Time: 6pmm (approx. 60-90 mins)
Meeting point: By the King Alfred Statue on the Broadway
Midsummer forest bathing - 21st June
Tickets will be available in early May. Sign up to emails, below, to be the first to hear.
Photograph by Heidi-Lee Gregory
About Wild & Witchy Walks
What makes these walks special
Our walks celebrate the changing of the seasons, and the the beauty and wisdom of nature. Each walk is carefully chosen to offer both natural beauty and deeper meaning, connecting you to the seasonal cycles that have guided human life for thousands of years.
Who they’re for
If you've ever felt that tug towards something deeper when you're out in nature, these walks are for you. We welcome anyone curious about folklore, drawn to seasonal living or simply seeking meaningful connection with both landscape and like-minded souls. You don't need any special knowledge, just an open heart and a willingness to see the world through ancient eyes.
You'll leave feeling more connected to your local area, with stories to remind you that magic is alive in every hedgerow, stream and hilltop, waiting for us to slow down enough to notice.
How to join a walk
Our seasonal walks happen approximately eight times a year, in and around Winchester, timed around the sacred sabbat days of the Wheel of the Year - from the awakening energy of Imbolc to the introspective depths of Samhain. Each walk is £10 per person and can be booked through Ticket Tailor, where you'll find all the practical details including meeting points, what to bring and any seasonal themes we'll be exploring.
Please book via Ticket Tailor as walks may have to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Our walks go ahead in most weather - after all, connecting with the seasons means experiencing them fully - but may have to be cancelled at short notice in extraordinary circumstances.
About me
I'm Emily and I've called Winchester home for over a decade now. In that time I've fallen completely under the spell of this ancient landscape.
My love affair with the natural world began as a child, when foraging felt like treasure hunting and every woodland held secrets waiting to be discovered. That connection has only deepened over the years. You'll often find me with muddy hands and pockets full of seasonal finds – rosehips for syrup, nettles for soup, or elderflowers destined for fermentation.
When I'm not foraging, I'm likely to be found swimming in the Itchen's chalk streams, tending my allotment or gardening at home with my two black cats, among the bees and the rooks. These experiences have taught me to listen to the land's voice and to recognise the magic that lives in everyday moments of connection with the natural world.
The land here holds so much medicine, so many stories and so much wild wisdom. Through Wild & Witchy Walks, I hope to share what I've learned about listening to its voice – not as an expert, but as someone deeply committed to the magic that unfurls when we slow down enough to truly see what's around us.