Test & Dever Way; Rivers, Railway & Riots – 19 or 14 Mile Circular Walk from Whitchurch

About

This new 19 mile circular trail explores the stunning open downland and peaceful chalk stream meadows to the south of Whitchurch. A shorter 14-mile walk is also available.

Stop to admire the delightful 12th century church of St. Michael and All Angels in its beautiful meadow setting at Bullington, the crystal-clear waters of the chalk streams and the panoramic views on the western section of the trail, with Danebury Ring Iron Age Hillfort on the far horizon.

Everyone loves an abandoned steam railway line. At Bullington, the trail takes you onto the former Didcot-Newbury-Southampton railway embankment where you have views along the old track bed and evidence of the line can be seen in the landscape along the western stretch of the trail.

As you pass the Coach & Horses Inn Sutton Scotney, lookout for the plaque on the side wall of the inn that records the names of the farm labourers who signed the petition to the king at the height of the Swing Riots. Further details of the Dever Valley Swing Riots can be found in the trail leaflet which can be downloaded below (PDF).

Distance: 19 mile or 14 mile circular trail.

Whitchurch is one mile from the A34, midway between Newbury and Winchester and 12 miles west of Basingstoke on the B3400.

OS Explorer Map: 144

Car parking: Parking is available in Whitchurch town centre car parks.

Rail: Whitchurch Station (West of England Line from London Waterloo)

Bus: Stagecoach South service 76 between Basingstoke & Andover to Whitchurch town centre.

Public Toilets: Whitchurch Bell Street car park and Sutton Scotney Gratton Park.

Places of interest: Whitchurch Silk Mill, Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery (Laverstoke Mill), Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), Whitchurch Mill Trail, Whitchurch Heritage Trail

Places to eat: Various pubs and cafes in Whitchurch town centre. The Coach & Horses, Sutton Scotney.

The route can be downloaded below (PDF).