5k Run Allbrook: Scenic Loop through Hawksley Memorial Garden

Route Overview & Local Insights

The Itchen Lollipop is a refreshing 5.5km loop that perfectly showcases the tranquil riverside charm of Allbrook. Predominantly paved and remarkably flat with 0m of ascent, this route is an ideal choice for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo or enjoy a recovery run through Hampshire’s lush landscapes. Starting on the well-trodden Itchen Way, you’ll follow the gentle flow of the river before crossing Kiln Way to enter a scenic loop. The mid-section takes you through serene woodland and the peaceful Hawksley Memorial Garden, offering a sheltered, green escape before you rejoin the riverside path for a fast, familiar return to the start.

Steeped in local heritage, the area surrounding this route is defined by the historic Itchen Navigation, a waterway that dates back to the late 17th century and once served as a vital trade link between Winchester and Southampton. As you run past the Hawksley Memorial Garden, you’re passing through a piece of Allbrook’s community heart, a space dedicated to local history and nature conservation. Runners will appreciate the blend of industrial-age engineering and modern-day biodiversity, with the chalk stream of the River Itchen providing a habitat for diverse wildlife, making it much more than just a standard neighborhood jog.