Romsey - Test Way - Greatbridge - Romsey

Peter Harper

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A fine walk which, after the initial section through the town, passes through pasture and woodland and along riverbanks. It can be muddy in places and there are some stiles, but the going is relatively gentle and flat.

The walk starts at Romsey Station on the outskirts of town. There is parking at the station or in one of the pay-and-display car parks nearer the town centre along Station Road. There is free on-street parking, but the limit is two hours and it would be challenging (though possible) to complete the walk in this time. Passing through the town centre with its many fine historic buildings, the town square with a statue of Lord Palmerston and its 12th Century abbey, there is a temptation to dawdle, but there will be plenty of opportunity to explore when we return at the end of the walk. So keep heading west to join the Test Way, which then heads north-east through open pasture to Squab Wood. The Test Way continues through the wood before leaving it to pass through fields and farmland.

After a while we leave the Test Way, along a footpath which takes us through the playing-fields and grounds of Stanbridge Earls School. A section of country lane now leads to the busy A3057 which we reach opposite the Duke's Head pub. This is a good place to stop for refreshments, but those intent on pressing on will cross straight over the road and take the path which leads behind the pub gardens before proceeding along the riverbank. The river is fast-flowing at this point and this is prime angling country. Reaching the A3057 again there is a short section alongside the main road (on good pavement) before heading east and then south again for more riverside walking, until the tranquillity of the countryside gradually gives way to busier paths as we re-enter Romsey and return to the station.

England - South England - Hampshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

7/24/2015 - Peter Harper

Thanks for the comments Anne. The lane to which you refer can be avoided by going straight on at waypoint 10. After 100 yards, turn right on the B3084 to re-join the mapped route after waypoint 11 at the bridge over the railway. This way takes you along a wider country road with 30 mph and 40 mph speed limits, which you may feel safer walking on. To be honest, there is not a lot in it, and some road walking is necessary to reach the bridge over the railway and get to the pleasant riverside sections that follow.

7/4/2015 - Anne England

This is a lovely area, especially around the river. I don't like making negative comments, but the lane between WP 11 and WP12 is not pleasant walking at all - in fact, I'd say it isn't safe. When we walked on a warm July day, it was very busy. There are no pavements and no verges to speak of - and several blind bends. It would make the walk so much better if an alternative route could be found.

3/1/2009 - Tim Withers

waypoint 14 was not passable without wellies, so we had to skip the last part of this pleasant walk.