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
• 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. 

Author Highlight

“Chalk streams are a very rare breed among the various types of river that can be found on our planet. Such streams naturally occur in those areas where chalk is the main geological feature. Water seeps through the porous chalk to feed the springs that, in turn, give rise to rivers such as the Test. There are only about 200 chalk streams worldwide, of which 160 are in England, and the River Test − also an SSSI − is one of the finest examples.”

- Malcom Leatherdale, author of Walking Hampshire's Test Way

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 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

Appendix A Route summary tables

Appendix B Itinerary planner

Appendix C Accommodation near the Test Way

Appendix D Useful contacts

Appendix E Further reading

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

March 2025

March updates

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