The Test Way
Romsey to Stockbridge
Follow a section of The Test Way along the route of the old ‘Sprat and Winkle’ train line. Starting near Romsey, the track will cross over the River Test on its way to Stockbridge, a pretty town that sits astride the river. There is an optional diversion about half way along to a popular swimming spot at Houghton Bridge.
Route 246
📏 Distance:
The route is approximately 5 miles / 8 km each way, with slightly more if you go to the swimming spot.
🏔️ Terrain:
Almost entirely flat with a very small climb at the road crossing. The paths are mostly wide enough to pass other users with ease, but does have a couple of narrow sections where you would need to pull over to pass and where vegetation will brush your legs in summer. The surface is unpaved but firm and with some chunky gravel sections.
🏁 Start / Finish:
Either start at Stonymarsh car park off the A3057 north of Romsey. The car park is free, but does have a height barrier. Starting here puts Stockbridge with its cafes and pubs as a half way point and it makes the return leg ever so slightly down hill. There is only one entry and exit point from the car park, so the starting point is obvious (Postcode: SO20 6QR - W3W: ///marching.towel.booklets)
Or start at The Lion’s Den car park at Stockbridge Marsh. Turn left onto the cycleway for the bike ride or right for Stockbridge (Postcode: SO20 6JA - W3W: ///obtain.escapes.crossings)
🚗 Traffic:
The route is entirely off-road unless you plan to go into Stockbridge town, in which case you will need to ride along the high street. There is one point where you need to cross a quiet country road.
☕ Refreshments:
There are lots of independent cafes, pubs and bakeries in Stockbridge or at Horsebridge you can take a brief diversion to The John O’Gaunt pub.
🪧 Points of interest:
From Stonymarsh, after the road crossing at Horsebridge, you will cross the river. At the next cross path after this, you can turn left and follow the footpath to Houghton Bridge where you can swim and paddle in the River Test. There are two private bridges to cross before you reach the long wooden footbridge with river access. From Stockbridge, turn right at the first cross path that does not lead to private gates. Please note that this diversion follows a footpath, so you will need to push your bike on this section.