Walking Hampshire's Test Way: The long-distance trail and 15 day walks (British Walking)

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The Test Way is a 44-mile (71km) [1] long-distance footpath in England from Walbury Hill in West Berkshire to Eling in Hampshire, which follows much of the course of the River Test. The final section is a gradual climb through Hurtsbourne Tarrant and Linkenholt towards Inkpen Beacon and Walbury Hill in Berkshire where the trail finishes. The River Test is one of only a couple of hundred chalk stream rivers in the world. The Test Way is based loosely on the river, staring from Inkpen Beacon and finishing at Eling tide mill. In fact, the footpath does not meet the River Test until Longparish, over a third of the way down the footpath. The Test Way is a 44-mile long distance walking route that will take you from its dramatic start, high on the chalk downs at Inkpen, to follow much of the course of the River Test to Eling where its tidal waters flow into Southampton Water. Without doubt, the Test is one of Hampshire’s finest chalk streams, world famous for its superb trout fishing. The Test Way has been divided into eight sections, each providing a really good day out. Choose between water meadows or tidal marshes, riverbank picnics or cosy pubs, steep hills with exhilarating views or a cool peaceful woodland. Follow Testwood Lane as it heads north through Totton, and when it curves to the left turn half-right to join a footpath that carries the Test Way slightly east of north. It immediately passes a pub, before reaching a bridge over the river. It turns to the left to skirt the eastern bank of the river northwards for a short distance until a causeway is reached on the left. Here turn right, and start following a footpath that heads northeastwards across the Lower Test Nature Reserve for a little over half a mile, crossing tributaries of the river on bridges before reaching a railway line.

Romsey was home to Lord Mountbatten of Burma, and also of Lord Palmerston, of whom there is a statue in the market square. Mountbatten was buried inside Romsey Abbey after his assassination by the IRA in 1979.The southern end of the Test Way was originally positioned at the Salmon's Leap, to the north of Totton. This was then moved to Eling, a very pleasant and interesting spot for such a walk to start. Unfortunately this means that you have to head through the centre of Totton to rejoin the river. Having said that, Eling is a wonderful spot to start a trail.

Mottisfont is also home to a large Grade-II listed tithe barn, which has been converted into accommodation. Refreshment will be at a free house metres from the river: the John O’Gaunt Inn in Horsebridge, known for good food and Sunday jazz. But as it doesn’t offer rooms, we’re staying somewhere much older. Michelmersh Manor Farm, a few miles south, was first recorded in 1205 as a “large grange with fortified gatehouse and great hall”. At the start point for the walk there's Eling Tide Mill to investigate. The Grade II listed mill is a major local attraction with picturesque walks and some fascinating local history. Also near the start of the route you will pass the Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve. Here you'll find a variety of interesting wild flowers and woodland around the lakes. You can also look out for various wildfowl and waders on the water using the two bird hides. The reserve is located just to the west of the path, about a mile from the start point in Totton.On the route you could stop off at Mottisfont Abbey and enjoy refreshments in the National Trust tea rooms. Near here there's also the excellent Mill Arms in the village of Dunbridge. It's in a lovely spot and includes a new conservatory for looking out over the garden with two open fireplaces indoors for colder days. You can find the pub at Barley Hill, Dunbridge with a postcode of SO51 0LF for your sat navs. The pub above is also very dog friendly and will often provide water and biscuits for your canine friend. Guidebook to walking Hampshire's Test Way, a 44 mile (71km) route from Inkpen Beacon to the Eling Tide Mill near Southampton Water. The walk, which is described over eight stages, takes in many of the region's natural, historical and architectural delights, from the ever famous 'Sprat and Winkle' railway to the River Test itself - a stunning example of the exceedingly rare chalk stream. The house is now owned by the National Trust, and is open to the public year-round. It is the home to a world-famous collection of old Rose species that are at their best in the late spring and early summer. Many traces of the alterations from priory into house can be seen on the exterior of the building. Our offices are staffed 9am to 9pm during our walking season (March to September) to ensure your walking holiday runs without a hitch. We organize the luggage transfer so your bags are at your next accommodation when you arrive. We try to get your bags delivered by 4pm, but this may be delayed due to road conditions.

The Test Way is a 44-mile long distance walking route that will take you from its dramatic start, high on the chalk downs at Inkpen, to follow much of the course of the River Test to Eling where its tidal waters flow into Southampton Water. Without doubt, the Test is one of Hampshire’s finest chalk streams, world famous for its superb trout fishing. This route is shown as a series of green diamonds on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps and as a series of red diamonds on Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 maps The following places of interest and hills can be found along the length of the Test Way, listed from Walbury Hill: Romsey is a small and picture-perfect town in the Test Valley just to the north of Southampton. It was founded on the lowest crossing place of the River Test, and on routes between Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury. The Rivers Test and Itchen are Hampshire's two premier rivers although I'm sure there would be advocates for the Avon, even though it rises in Wiltshire and flows to the sea in Dorset. Having lived in Winchester-Southampton for the last 30 years the Itchen is the river I know best. The River Test is a bit of a mystery to me and I suspect to many others. What this book does is make people want to explore it. It gives the reader no excuse except for laziness. The guidance cannot be bettered; the maps are superb, the details of handling the logistics, where to get refreshments and where to stay are excellent, even the lovely photographs are taken on clear sunny days; what is not to like?The Test Way starts at Eling Quay, situated on a creek leading off Southampton Water. From Eling it heads north through the town of Totton before joining the River Test for the first time at the northern side of the town. Saltflats on the floodplain of the River Test are crossed on boardwalks, before a diversion under the M27 is made to reach Nursling church. A pleasant stroll then takes you from one side of the river to the other, getting glimpses of Broadlands House before reaching the A3090 on the outskirts of Romsey.