Summary (by AI): Finally visiting the beautiful Test Valley for a long walk and a cozy stay left me feeling incredibly lucky and inspired by the premier chalk streams.
Blog: I’ve always been intrigued by the Test Valley. During my time at Southampton University, I spent a lot of my life in Hampshire, but we always seemed to skirt right around the valley. Usually, you’d come down the M3 and head straight into Southampton or end up in the New Forest. via the M27. Because of that, the Test Valley was a place we just tended to miss.
A couple of months ago, during one of my "ABC trips," I finally found myself back in the area. Looking around, I thought to myself, "You know what? I really need to do a proper walk here."
So, I followed through. I booked myself into a charming little pub called The Greyhound on the Test, in the village of Stockbridge and set out on a big circular route. The thing that makes the Test Valley so special is that it’s home to one of the premier chalk streams in the country. That means trout—and lots of them. It’s a fairly exclusive fishing scene, and as you’re walking through, you get to see all this fascinating fishing infrastructure.
Honestly, it inspired me. I’m already hoping to head back there with a friend of mine from Henley; he’s up for a bit of fly fishing, and after seeing those streams, I’m really looking forward to giving it a go myself.
The walk itself was a good, long stint—about 15 kilometres in total. I’d taken a small pan and some sausages with me, so lunch was a superb fry up with a quite awesome view.
By the time I got back to the pub, I was ready for it. I had a fantastic meal and then retired to a lovely, cozy, warm bedroom to snuggle up for the night. I remember lying there thinking, "This is crazy." It was a Tuesday in the middle of November, and there I was, tucked away in a fantastic pub after an incredible walk and a great meal. I’m a lucky guy.
The Map: