Walking Hampshire's Test Way

The Test Way and surrounding countryside offer a variety of gentle walking opportunities in Hampshire, from scenic day walks to the full 71km (44-mile) long-distance trail through the picturesque Test Valley. Linking the towns of Stockbridge and Southampton from Inkpen Beacon, the Test Way follows peaceful riverside paths and can be enjoyed year-round, making it perfect for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a long-weekend walking escape.

This Cicerone guidebook combines the full Test Way with 15 circular day walks (6 – 14km) to explore the pastoral Test Valley, ideal for all abilities, from local day trips to multi-day adventures. With detailed route descriptions, OS mapping and GPX files, you will have everything you need to explore this beautiful countryside that's easily accessible from Newbury, Basingstoke, Winchester, and Southampton.

• The Test Way is divided into eight manageable stages (5–14km), which can be combined for weekend itineraries to suit your pace and experience
• Day walks are presented in three sections: Inkpen Beacon and Wherwell, Chilbolton and Stockbridge, and Houghton and Totton, allowing you to explore the area surrounding your accommodation
• Public transport and refreshment details are provided for all, with advice on where to find accommodation along the Test Way
• Downloadable GPX files are provided as a digital alternative alongside OS 1:50,000 mapping and detailed route descriptions for every stage and day walk through Hampshire
• History, geology and wildlife information is also included to enrich your journey across tree-clad hills, chalk grasslands and former water meadows

Explore the Test Way and the surrounding valley with this comprehensive, trusted guidebook. Enjoy Hampshire’s tranquil rivers, historic towns, and charming countryside on a relaxing 2-3 day weekend trail, a beginner-friendly introduction to long-distance walking, or a series of shorter day walks.

Seasons

All year

Centres

Beginning at Inkpen Beacon, the Test Way passes close to or through St Mary Bourne, Whitchurch, Stockbridge, King's Somborne, Broughton, Mottisfont, Romsey and ends at Eling Totton.

Difficulty

All abilities are catered for. Several of the walks and the first half of the Test Way are perhaps more of a challenge. The second half is fairly flat as are the majority of the walks. No special equipment required.

Must See

Inkpen Beacon; Whitchurch Silk Mill; Chilbolton Common; Longstock Park Water Garden; Danebury Iron Age hill fort; Stockbridge Down; Mottisfont Abbey; Romsey Abbey, Romsey Signal Box - restored - formerly part of the dismantled 'Sprat and Winkle' railway; Broadlands House Romsey; Lower Test Nature Reserve; Eling Tide Mill Totton

Map key

Overview map

Introduction

Brief history of the Test Valley

The Andover and Redbridge canal and the ‘Sprat and Winkle’ railway

Geology and landscape

Plants and wildlife

Where to stay

Getting to and around the Test Way and to the walks

Walking the Test Way

Cycling – the National Cycle Network and parts of the Test Way

Maps

Waymarking, access and rights of way

Protecting the countryside

Using this guide

The Test Way

Stage 1Inkpen Beacon to Hurstbourne Tarrant

Stage 2Hurstbourne Tarrant to St Mary Bourne

Stage 3St Mary Bourne to Longparish

Stage 4Longparish to Wherwell

Stage 5Wherwell to Stockbridge

Stage 6Stockbridge to Mottisfont

Stage 7Mottisfont to Romsey

Stage 8Romsey to Eling Wharf Totton

Walks between Inkpen Beacon and Wherwell

Walk 1Hurstbourne Tarrant and Ibthorpe

Walk 2Whitchurch, Laverstoke and Freefolk

Walk 3Longparish, Forton, Harewood Forest and Deadman’s Plack

Walk 4Barton Stacey and Bransbury

Walk 5Wherwell and Goodworth Clatford

Walks between Chilbolton and Stockbridge

Walk 6Chilbolton, Fullerton, Goodworth Clatford and Upper Clatford

Walk 7Chilbolton Observatory and Chilbolton Common

Walk 8Danebury Iron Age hill fort and Longstock

Walk 9Stockbridge and Marsh Court

Walk 10Stockbridge Down and Little Somborne

Walks between Houghton and Totton

Walk 11Houghton and Broughton

Walk 12Houghton, King’s Somborne and Horsebridge

Walk 13Stonymarsh, Mottisfont, Kimbridge and Michelmersh

Walk 14Lockerley, Mottisfont and Dunbridge

Walk 15Romsey, Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve and Greatbridge

Appendix ARoute summary tables

Appendix BItinerary planner

Appendix CAccommodation near the Test Way

Appendix DUseful contacts

Appendix EFurther reading