Riverside Area

The chalk stream corridor south of the village, with river walks, the Chesapeake Mill, and water meadows flanking the Meon.

The Riverside area extends south from Bridge Street along the banks of the River Meon. This is the part of Wickham where the village meets the chalk stream, and the character is shaped by the proximity of the water. The River Meon is a clear, fast-flowing stream that supports brown trout and a range of aquatic life typical of Hampshire's chalk rivers. The riverside paths provide some of the most attractive walking in the area, connecting south towards Knowle and north towards the Meon Valley Trail. The Chesapeake Mill, which stands at the point where Bridge Street crosses the river, is the landmark building of the riverside. The housing in the immediate riverside area is limited, with a handful of cottages and houses that enjoy river frontage. The water meadows that flank the river provide open views and a sense of space that contrasts with the tighter streets of the village centre. The riverside is popular with walkers and anglers, and the paths are well maintained. In spring and summer, the river banks are lined with wild flowers and the sound of running water is a constant. The Riverside area is the part of Wickham that most clearly connects the settlement to its natural landscape, and it provides a calm counterpoint to the busier activity around The Square.