Test Way
Test Way is a walking trail stretching about 44 miles in Hampshire that runs from Inkpen Beacon to Eling Wharf near Totton while following the River Test. The route passes through quiet villages, farms, and open land with rolling hills, water meadows, and wooded areas, divided into eight sections of varying lengths.
The route follows historic paths used for hundreds of years, including old farm lanes and possibly ancient footpaths that shaped the landscape. The trail passes near Danebury Hillfort, a large ancient earthwork from thousands of years ago, and connects to historic mills and railways that tell stories of centuries of community life.
The trail connects small villages and towns that form the heart of rural Hampshire life, each with old buildings and churches that shape the route. These places show how local communities have used the river and countryside for generations as part of daily living.
The path divides into eight sections between 5 and 14 miles long, allowing walkers to choose short stretches or longer journeys. Good footwear is recommended, particularly for extended walks or venturing off main paths, and you can stop at village pubs and cafes or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.
The River Test is one of only about 200 chalk streams in the world, famous for its clear water and natural springs that support diverse wildlife. Walkers may spot kingfishers, marsh harriers, and little grebes along the way, and watercress is still grown in marshes and streams fed by these rare, pure waters.
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