The southern end of the Test Way was originally positioned at the Salmon's Leap, to the north of Totton. This was then moved to Eling, a very pleasant and interesting spot for such a walk to start. Unfortunately this means that you have to head through the centre of Totton to rejoin the river. Having said that, Eling is a wonderful spot to start a trail. Also near the start of the route you will pass the Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve. Here you'll find a variety of interesting wild flowers and woodland around the lakes. You can also look out for various wildfowl and waders on the water using the two bird hides. The reserve is located just to the west of the path, about a mile from the start point in Totton. The route continues through Kimbridge and then onto the impressive National Trust owned Mottisfont Abbey. This 13th century Augustinian priory is surrounded by glorious grounds and is a major highlight on the trail.

At the start point for the walk there's Eling Tide Mill to investigate. The Grade II listed mill is a major local attraction with picturesque walks and some fascinating local history.

Map & Directions

The trail also passes alongside Horsebridge railway station. Much of the route between Kimbridge and Chilbolton follows the route of the former Andover and Redbridge Railway. The final section is a gradual climb through Hurtsbourne Tarrant and Linkenholt towards Inkpen Beacon and Walbury Hill in Berkshire where the trail finishes.

Mottisfont is a small hamlet situated to the north of Romsey. It would be like so many other small villages in the area, except for the presence of Mottisfont Abbey. The Test Way starts at Eling Quay, situated on a creek leading off Southampton Water. From Eling it heads north through the town of Totton before joining the River Test for the first time at the northern side of the town. Saltflats on the floodplain of the River Test are crossed on boardwalks, before a diversion under the M27 is made to reach Nursling church. A pleasant stroll then takes you from one side of the river to the other, getting glimpses of Broadlands House before reaching the A3090 on the outskirts of Romsey. The entire route is waymarked by metal and plastic disks found attached to wooden and metal posts, trees and street furniture. There are several wooden 'finger' signs along the route that count down the number of miles along the footpath in both directions.As is often seen with Cicerone books, the route uses sections of OS 1:50,000 map to accompany the text. It is also well illustrated with various pictures of the river and its tributaries, braiding being a frequent feature in this flat and rural valley.

The route starts Eling Tide Mile near Totton heading north towards the Lower Test Nature Reserve and Romsey along the river. Here the river runs parallel to the old Andover Canal which you can explore on the Romsey Canal Walk.The River Test is one of only a couple of hundred chalk stream rivers in the world. The Test Way is based loosely on the river, staring from Inkpen Beacon and finishing at Eling tide mill. In fact, the footpath does not meet the River Test until Longparish, over a third of the way down the footpath. Romsey is a small and picture-perfect town in the Test Valley just to the north of Southampton. It was founded on the lowest crossing place of the River Test, and on routes between Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury. Refreshment will be at a free house metres from the river: the John O’Gaunt Inn in Horsebridge, known for good food and Sunday jazz. But as it doesn’t offer rooms, we’re staying somewhere much older. Michelmersh Manor Farm, a few miles south, was first recorded in 1205 as a “large grange with fortified gatehouse and great hall”. Romsey was home to Lord Mountbatten of Burma, and also of Lord Palmerston, of whom there is a statue in the market square. Mountbatten was buried inside Romsey Abbey after his assassination by the IRA in 1979.