Out and About Spring 2021

leisure

Out&About

GET AWAY

The Test Valley offers a break away on your doorstep If you don’t fancy joining the masses who want to escape the country at the first opportunity, enjoy walking, cycling, exploring gardens and woodland, fly-fishing and perhaps even sleeping close to nature, closer to home

Go hiking The Test Way runs the length of the River Test, passing through picturesque countryside and villages. www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryside/walking/testway The Clarendon Way , 24-mile walk between Winchester and Salisbury Cathedrals. www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/ countryside/walking/clarendon- way The Monarch’s Way is a long-distance footpath that follows the escape route

Fishing Indulge a passion for fly-fishing or learn the skills from scratch. Enjoy time on the River Test with fishing breaks for all ages and abilities. www.fishingbreaks.co.uk Round and round the garden Visit the 180-acre Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, www.hants.gov.uk/ thingstodo/hilliergardens Or the privately-owned Houghton Lodge Gardens https://houghtonlodge.co.uk Longstock Park Water Gardens

taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated at the Battle of Worcester www.monarchsway.50megs. com/about.html The Brenda Parker Way , Andover to Aldershot, gives an insight into the area’s military heritage and climbs to the highest villages in Hampshire www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/mem- bers/show_path.php?path_name=Brenda+Parker+Way The Sprat and Winkle between Andover and Redbridge, Southampton is a disused railway line. www.railwayramblers.org.uk/news/15news/VH-PDF-Sprat%20 and%20Winkle%20Leaflet%202010.pdf The Ladies Walk, near Andover, part of a pre-Roman track where 121 trees were planted to commemorate the wedding of HRH The Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863. www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/naturereserves/ ladies-walk For short circular walks, dog-friendly routes, family rambles, walks in nature reserves and woodland visit www.bing.com/search?q=test+valley+get+out+and+walk On your bike From flat and leisurely rides along a disused railway line to more energetic and hilly mountain biking. Try road cycling around the picturesque villages of Wherwell, Chilbolton, Longstock and Longparish. Or there’s a circular ride starting in Whitchurch which heads along the banks of the River Test, through Leckford, part of the John Lewis estate, and Stockbridge, passing Houghton Lodge Gardens and various pretty villages. www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/cycling/cycle-routes/test-valley

https://leckfordestate.co.uk/ water-garden-opening-times The medieval gardens at King John’s House, Romsey http://kingjohnshouse.org.uk/ Challenge accepted Challenge yourself to zip lines, snowboards and tarzan swings with Treerunners at Harewood Forest www.treerunners.com/about/what-is-treerunners Enjoy fishing or golf during a stay in one of Chilworth Woodland Retreat ’s shepherd’s huts or log cabin www.chilworthwoodlandretreat.co.uk/ Learn about farm life at Gambledown Farm www.gambledownfarm.co.uk or Michelmersh Manor Farm https://michelmershmanorfarm.com/ The Meadow Glamping has an original showman’s wagon and an authentic travelling gypsy home, Wild Billy’s, dating back to 1890, and Mary’s Place, a boutique bohemian hideaway. New for 2021 is a 23ft narrow boat, The Magic Rat, renovated and decorated in a recycled funky style. www.themeadowglamping.co.uk Black Chalk winery , operated by Wild Escapes, offers luxury treehouse experiences. www.wildescapes.com www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism *Remember to check first that accommodation and attractions are open before making plans

The River Test provides spetacular walks

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O&A SPRING 2021