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 then passes along the river through the historic centre of Winchester before following the Itchen Navigation, again running parallel with the former railway past the foot of St. Catherine's Hill.

After again passing under the M3 at the foot of Twyford Down, the Navigation and path cross to the west of the river, past Shawford, Otterbourne and Allbrook, Eastleigh and Bishopstoke.

A short diversion beyond Bishopstoke gives access to Itchen Valley Country Park.

From the mouth of the river at Weston Point, Woolston, an extension of the path runs inland to Millers Pond and Sholing station.

Between Weston Shore and the Itchen Toll Bridge the path shares its route with the Solent Way.

These include watercress beds and water meadows along the upper river, the historic centre of Winchester and the Iron-Age fort of St Catherine's Hill.