Test Way - West Down Chilbolton to Stockbridge
A short history of the Test Way
The Test Way is a 44 mile long-distance walking route. The walk begins high on the chalk downs at Inkpen and follows much of the course of the River Test to Eling. Here the river's tidal waters flow into Southampton Water.
This is Hampshire's longest and finest chalk stream, world famous for its superb trout fishing. The Way has been divided into 8 sections, each providing a really good day-out. Choose between water meadows or tidal marshes, steep hills with exhilarating views or cool peaceful woodland. Or relax in a cosy pub or with a riverbank picnic. The route passes through some of the most picturesque villages in Hampshire, strewn with listed buildings, historic churches and houses. It is well sign posted and waymarked. Horse-riders and cyclists can also use some parts.
Key
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- Route
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- Temporarily closed
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- Restricted use
Directions
This part of the route uses an old dismantled railway line to lead you down to Stockbridge. The river is always beside you, peeping through the trees, passing the villages of Leckford and, across the river, Longstock.
Stockbridge's wide main street rests on a chalk causeway built over the seven streams that make up the River Test. The water criss-crosses the high street. You can take a break here from your route to feed the huge trout or explore the many antiques and crafts shops, galleries, pubs and cafés.