Mottisfont - Horsebridge - East Tytherley - Mottisfont

Peter Harper

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A circular walk, starting just outside the charming village of Mottisfont, takes you through the delightful Test Valley and has something for everyone. On the way you will experience river scenery, woodland and quiet country lanes. Wildlife abounds and you are unlikely to complete the route without stumbling across at least one herd of deer grazing in the fields and parkland. The start and finish of the walk pass through the Mottisfont Estate, owned by the National Trust. Nearby 12th Century Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens are well worth a visit.

The going is mostly flat, easy walking, although there are several stiles to cross. From its start at Spearywell Wood just to the north-east of the village, you cut across fields to Mottisfont itself. There follows an easy walk along the Test Way, following the route of a disused railway to just short of Horsebridge. From here you cut across fields and follow a mixture of quiet country lanes and woodland paths to reach East Tytherley, before returning to the car park at the start of your walk.

Those wishing to take a break for refreshments along the way can make a short diversion into Horsebridge itself to the John o'Gaunt pub before returning to complete the route. If you have a car, there are many fine pubs in the area, including The Star in nearby East Tytherley.

England - South England - Hampshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Cafe, Gift Shop, Great Views, Mostly Flat, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, River, Wildlife, Woodland

5/18/2020 - Geoffrey Hands

I did this walk a few days ago to celebrate the first day of a little relief from lockdown in the Coronavirus pandemic. Very easy to follow the directions ; unfortunately no pubs open at this time. I shall look forward to doing it again when times are easier, and stopping off for a pint on the way round. I made a note of a number of minor amendments needed on my way round, and then only afterwards read other comments - found they had all been seen noted in the past. I really must read comments before rather than afterwards !

4/10/2019 - Ali Hider

We walked this gorgeous walk today. Please note At no. 15 there is no longer a stile before the electricity pole. You walk a bit further up and there’s a gate on the left with some clear footpath signs. You need to follow the track down the field with the fence on your left and you’ll come to a gate at the bottom where you continue the walk. We went on the original path which is about to become a building site and got told this is no longer a public footpath. Its a beautiful walk and we saw a herd of deer including 5 stags!

6/12/2014 - Mike Stevenson

A good pleasant walk as described. The finger post at wp 8 has been renewed as have the following 2 stiles. Between wp 15 and wp 16 the farmer has planted right up to field edge and has planted over path, no option but to walk through crop. We diverted at wp16 by turning right to walk along roads to visit Star pub. Pub now open all day but food stops at 14.30. Footpath from Star pub to wp 20 is overgrown and not maintained.

4/6/2014 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Did this excellent walk yesterday, 5/4/14. Some beautiful countryside to see on very good paths, bridleways and quiet country roads. Wouldn't have been able to cross the field at point 5 a few weeks ago, as it would've been flood plain. The directions are spot on, no problems at point 8 now, just the 'No Public Right of Way' sign at points 13/14 laying on the ground. Thank you Peter

12/11/2010 - Pete Steele

Very enjoyable walk. The long stretch on a country road may put some off but please give it a try. The fingerpost at the end of point 8 pointing towards the stile by the apple tree is gone. I found it in the undergrowth but it was so rotten that it can't be stood up. If you start to go uphill again after the right/left bend in the road, you will see a metal gate to your right. If you see this, you have gone too far by approx 30 feet. Lovely walk, superb views of the country side and the Test Way river. Good for dogs.

7/19/2009 - NILESH DESHPANDE

EXCELLENT WALK AND THE DIRECTIONS WERE AMAZING VERY EASY TO FOLLOW WITH VERY MIN CHANGES. Point 8: Where after the corrugated iron cottage the finger post is hidden by thick bushes but there is a metal gate very near to it, if you can climb it it is much easier then going through the bushes to reach the stile.

4/19/2007 - Ray Churcher

Walked the walk on a very sunny and warm Thurs.19th April. Good walk in what was a different area for me. Plenty of very pleasant countryside especially the area's around the River Test. Thanks for this Peter. Ray Churcher.