Mottisfont to Romsey Walk

This walk explores woods and rolling chalk hills in the Dun and (Lower) Test Valleys of remote West Hampshire. An early highlight is the NT-owned (and ticketed) Mottisfont Abbey, a historical priory and country estate, with an arm of the River Test, Hampshire's longest and finest chalk stream, running through the stunning grounds, which also include a famous walled rose garden, trompe-l’oeil murals from Rex Whistler, and several lunch options.
Walk back past the 12th century St. Andrews church, one of the few Grade I-listed churches, and follow the waymarked Mottisfont Estate Path. The route incorporates all the important features of the estate, mainly varied ancient woodlands – several of which are good bluebell woods – but also some managed for timber or coppicing, historical farmland and the Dun River Meadows.
After lunch in Dunbridge the route gets a little more undulating, as the Test River is followed – mostly from a distance – all the way to Romsey, a picturesque market town. You pass all its sights: Romsey Abbey, a beautiful church the size of a cathedral, the War Memorial Park, the medieval King John’s House and Tudor Cottage, some narrow historical lanes and an exhausting selection of tea and pub stops.
Three shorter options are described, one of which follows the original Book 1 version of this walk.

All walk options go to Mottisfont village first for a look at the Abbey Gardens and the 12C church and all have the same finish through Squabb Wood and the River Test Meadows into Romsey.
The Main Walk follows a waymarked Mottisfont Estate Path anti-clockwise through ancient woods and the Dun Meadows to lunch in Dunbridge.
Option 3 uses a shortcut within that morning route, also leading to lunch in Dunbridge (18.1 km, 3/10).
Option 1 (11.9 km, 1/10) and Option 2 (14.1 km, 2/10) are a mostly separate walk, deliberately short to allow a visit to Mottisfont Abbey Gardens. From Mottisfont they are following the original Book 1 Walk (or its shortcut option) and re-join the Main Walk before Squabb Wood and the River Test Meadows. Lunch comes early, either in Mottisfont or shortly after, a little off-route.

Saturday Walkers' Club: Take the train nearest to 9.15, but a later one for Shortcuts I and II.

Mottisfont Abbey and Gardens (01794 340 757, ticketed entry, free for National Trust members). Mottisfont Abbey is located 1.6 km (1.0 mi) into the walk. There are four options: The Old Kitchen Café is located in the Victorian kitchens of the historic house. Choose from a varied lunch menu, all served on china. It is licensed and offers outdoor seating in summer. Coach House Café – located in the stables – is perfect for light lunches, snacks and treats, to eat in or take away, including cakes and drink. Everything is served on compostable or recyclable tableware. Ice Cream Horsebox, The Pizza Post and Walled Garden Kiosk are only open at peak times or on sunny days.

The Mill Arms (01794 340 401). The Mill Arms is located 11.1 km (6.9 mi) into the full walk and 7.0 km (4.4 mi) into the short walk, if using Shortcut III. It is a 19th century Inn with flagstone floors, oak beams, open fire, conservatory and a three-tiered garden.
Kimbridge Tea Rooms and Café (01794 556 777). The Kimbridge is located 60m off-route the shortest possible route, 1.7 km (1.1 mi) along it, or 280m more if taking Shortcut II.
The Bear and Ragged Staff (01794 556 777). The Bear & Ragged Staff is 800m off-route of Shortcut I, 2.5 km (1.5 mi) into the shortest walk and 280m more if taking Shortcut II.

There are an exhausting number of places to chose from in Romsey, all are mentioned in the walk directions.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

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National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Nov-21 Thomas G