We are extremely fortunate in Stockbridge that there is an extensive network of bridleways and public footpaths which converge here and make it the ideal base to set off for a cycle ride or walk. 

The Test Way and Clarendon Way are easily accessed and within just a few minutes you can be enjoying fine riverside or panoramic views of the beautiful Hampshire countryside.  

There is an abundance of scenic walking and cycling routes in and around Stockbridge to suit all abilities.

If you would like to submit details of a walk or bike ride, we would be pleased to hear from you.

1 Leave the car park and turn left, opposite the John of Gaunt. Cross the River Test and turn right along the Test Way, dropping down onto the old railway line. In ¾ mile (1.2km), pass beside a gate and turn right along the Clarendon Way.

2 Climb out of the valley, the track becoming metalled at the top. Where a track leads off right, keep straight ahead, then just before a junction of lanes, turn right with a waymarker down the left-hand edge of a field towards King's Somborne.

3 Turn right along the lane, then right again at the A3057 into the village. Turn left along Church Road opposite the Crown Inn. Just beyond the churchyard wall, take the narrow footpath right alongside the churchyard.

4 Go through a gate and enter rough grassland. This is where John of Gaunt's palace is supposed to have existed. Cross to a further gate and enter a playing field. Bear diagonally left across the field to the top left-hand corner and join a grassy path leading to a close of houses. Turn right then, in a few paces, bear off left along a narrow fenced path between properties to the main road.

5 Cross straight over and go through a gate into pasture. Take footpath No 7 half-right across the field to its boundary. Keep to the path that leads you through gardens, via small gates, to a field.

6 Continue ahead towards a house and shortly cross the drive in front of it. Maintain direction through further pasture to reach a stile and lane in Horsebridge. Turn right, then right again at the junction and turn left back into the Test Way car park.

For more information and a map visit the AA website here.

Distance 3 miles (4.8km)

Minimum time 1hr 15min

Ascent/gradient 138ft (42m)

Level of difficulty Medium

After the almost flat run down to Mottisfont there are a series of climbs in the middle part of the ride as it crosses the undulating downland to the west of Winchester. The final highpoint is reached just north of the A30 before a long descent to Leckford.

Route Name: Stockbridge & the Test Valley

Town: Winchester Andover Romsey Stockbridge

County: Hampshire

Region: London and South East

Type: On road

Length: 30.0

Difficulty: Moderate

For more information and a map got to cycleroutes.com 

This part of the Test Way uses an old dismantled railway line to lead you down to Stockbridge. The river is always beside you, peeping through the trees, passing the villages of Leckford and, across the river, Longstock.

Stockbridge's wide main street rests on a chalk causeway built over the seven streams that make up the River Test.

The water criss-crosses the high street, where you can take a break from your route to feed the huge trout or explore the many antiques and crafts shops, galleries, pubs and cafés.

This is classed as a long distance walk. Distance 3 miles. Time 1 to 2 hours.

For further information visit the Hampshire County Council web page here.