When I saw the title I expected to read something about pilgrimage and Advent but then discovered that it's already about 2017.
We have started the South Downs Way, in very enjoyable one day sections, perhaps a weekend here or there, going east to west, so Winchester Cathedral will be the destination and not the starting point.
A long time ago, I've been to Winchester but don't remember much and I am looking forward to a new visit, also in connection with pilgrimages and history. I vaguely know about St Swithun's day, I'm intrigued by the short tunnel (the Holy Hole) in the cathedral that allowed pilgrims to crawl right under the saint's shrine, to be as close as possible to his miraculous healing powers. Another interesting aspect that you don't see on your way in France or Spain: Winchester is a Gothic cathedral that is not a Catholic church. It may sound strange to some of you but it struck me one day like a revelation that, during the heydays of pilgrimage, there was no Catholic pilgrimage, there was just pilgrimage and a specific sense of (borderless) union or unity or commonality that disappeared with the Reformation(s).
So, for some of us, much to explore closer to home.