Totton and the Test Way

With Harry on a fine but not over warm day. Just over 9 miles of flat walking.

We set off at 9.45 and followed a route along footpaths, and through parkland, eventually arriving at a roundabout where we had to cross the A36. Here we turned left alongside the main road, then followed a path which took us to the Totton and Eling FC.

Some summer holiday activities for children were underway. No way out through there, so we headed back towards the place we should be, and found a path leading into the Testwood Lakes Nature reserve.

We turned left and headed towards the Testwood Lake Centre, half-hoping they might serve coffee, even though I had my flask with me! No luck - it's an activity centre for children, and a group were totally absorbed in pond-dipping.

But it was definitely time for a break, so we returned to a bench with a view.

We followed the path round the lake, almost circling it. The path on the east runs close to the River Blackwater, a tributary of the Test. At a junction we turned left and crossed this river.

A little while later we crossed the River Test, which has several "braids" around here.  Lovely clear water with lots of fish.

We passed ponies with foals, 

 a desirable restored mill

 and some fencing yards and the like.

We walked along Mill Lane. Shortly after the junction with Station Road we found the Test Way signpost on our right, to head more or less south.

 The path was on the right hand side of what seems to be a disused canal. It began as a weed covered stretch, then just a dry bed, and finally looked to be overgrown with reeds and himalayan balsam plants.

Towards the end of this section the path runs next to a railway line. we didn't cross the line, but turned right, soon crossed a bridge over a small river, where some boys were playing. Over to our left we could see the dockside cranes.

Before long we found the sign marking what used to be the beginning of the Test Way. It now starts, or ends at Eling. Close to the sign was a bridge over a larger braid of the Test. 

We spotted a decent place to harvest a few blackberries, before making our way into Totton itself. A few items from the supermarket provided us with lunch. The main road wasn't too inviting, but we found another footpath just across the railway footbridge. This path had yet more blackberry bushes.

 There is another section river, looking rather less inviting, muddy as the Usk.

 By roads and footpaths we wended our way back to base,well satisfied with our exploration of an area between Totton and Southampton, returning via darkest Totton.

A week near Sandleheath - more cycling than walking

'Hampshire July 2014

Arrived Friday 25/7 Ate at Damerham pub with its hippy enterprise feel but good food, altho' they seem to think vegetarians eat less.

Saturday 26/7 we met Jenny and Esther at Bursledon station car park and walked along the river Hamble to Manor farm Country Park and back. Then went to Esther's for evening meal.

Map etc

Sunday 27/7 Esther did a 70 mile sportive from Waterlooville. We did a 20 mile ride to Cranbourne - stopped for large lemonade at Damerham. Map etc . Later over to Esther's.  Quick visit to the allotment.

Monday 28/7 - we met Esther etc at Moors valley Country park.

We drove there the back way, via Verwood. Ate at the Ship in Fordingbridge.

Tuesday 29/7- lazy morning, then ride into Fordingbridge to get b'day card for Aneurin. Onwards and up to Whitsbury and almost Coombe Bissett via byway, then returned via Rockbourne. Map etc.Tea and scone in Rose and Thistle. Not cheap but good.  About 20 miles in all again.

Wednesday 30/7 - went to Alderholt G C for coffee, then to Mockbeggar via Harbridge and ibsley. up the hill past Red Shoot and almost to Fritham, returning via the top road and down through Godshill and Fordingbridge. around 28 miles. Map etc.

Then to Esther's for dinner.

Thursday 31/7 - a lazy day, more reading than anything. Then to Esther's for a meal.

Friday 01/8 - returned home via Salisbury, and called at Crofton Beam Engine on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

While we were away we saw various birds, including reed bunting, a kingfisher, and some wheatears, we believe, flying from post to post ahead of us as we cycled on a byway.