Riding the Itchen from Southampton to Winchester?

[downfader]

Had a bit of an argument (a polite one at that) with my Brother today. He seems convinced that you can ride the entire length of the River Itchen from Riverside park in Southampton up towards the edge of Winchester.

Can you?

I thought/assumed that the majority of the land on the side of the river was private property, and I'm not sure of bridleways that run the length. Anyone ridden a suitable route? He wants to ride a gentle, beginners route with his girlfriend

 

[ufkacbln]

From experience - it will depend on how close you want to be to the river.

Up to Mans Bridge you are close, but past that large areas have shoreline access which means using adjacent roads