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.
Each stage (they range in length from 3 to 8.5 miles) is described
clearly and concisely, and is accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping. Worth
its weight in your backpack, the guide also includes information on the
history, geology and landscape of the Test Valley, as well as practical
information on accommodation and transport. Additionally, it describes
15 circular walks in the Test Valley, which vary in length from 3.75
miles (6km) to 8.5 miles (13.75km).
The Test Way passes through areas of intriguing history and remarkable
natural beauty. There are sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as well as Iron Age hill
forts, medieval churches, age old abbeys, relics from a long passed
railway era and quaint villages brimming with thatch and flint and
individual 'hostelries' to match. It is a walk well suited to history
and geology enthusiasts, and certainly a must for anyone interested in
the iconic Sprat and Winkle railway.
The Test Way
Stage 1 Inkpen Beacon to Hurstbourne Tarrant
Stage 2 Hurstbourne Tarrant to St Mary Bourne
Stage 3 St Mary Bourne to Longparish
Stage 4 Longparish to Wherwell
Stage 5 Wherwell to Stockbridge
Stage 6 Stockbridge to Mottisfont
Stage 7 Mottisfont to Romsey
Stage 8 Romsey to Eling Wharf Totton
Walks between Inkpen Beacon and Wherwell
Walk 1 Hurstbourne Tarrant and Ibthorpe
Walk 2 Whitchurch, Laverstoke and Freefolk
Walk 3 Longparish, Forton, Harewood Forest and Deadman’s Plack
Walk 4 Barton Stacey and Bransbury
Walk 5 Wherwell and Goodworth Clatford
Walks between Chilbolton and Stockbridge
Walk 6 Chilbolton, Fullerton, Goodworth Clatford and Upper Clatford
Walk 7 Chilbolton Observatory and Chilbolton Common
Walk 8 Danebury Iron Age hill fort and Longstock
Walk 9 Stockbridge and Marsh Court
Walk 10 Stockbridge Down and Little Somborne
Walks between Houghton and Totton
Walk 11 Houghton and Broughton
Walk 12 Houghton, King’s Somborne and Horsebridge
Walk 13 Stonymarsh, Mottisfont, Kimbridge and Michelmersh
Walk 14 Lockerley, Mottisfont and Dunbridge
Walk 15 Romsey, Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve and Greatbridge
