The northern part of the path is within the South Downs National Park and follows the valley of the River Itchen from close to its source at Hinton Ampner. The route passes the springs at the head of the river, before running through New Cheriton, Cheriton. At Tichborne, after touching the edge of New Alresford, the path cuts the corner to Ovington. The river is crossed several times, to Itchen Stoke, Avington and Itchen Abbas. From here the path stays on the right bank to Martyr Worthy.