Picturesque mills in the Test valley

Overton to Whitchurch
Length: 17km (10.6 miles) or 14.5km(9 miles) Toughness: 3/10

This is an easy walk along the upper reaches of the River Test that passes many interesting mills, old and new. The walk can be shortened by 2.5km by takingan alternative afternoon route via Fulling Mill which omits the loop out to the hamlet of Tufton.

Whitchurch Silk Mill re-opened late last year after major refurbishment (£7/£6, last admission 4:00pm) and has a tearoom (open till 5:00pm) that can be visited without paying the admission charge.

The suggested lunchtime pub is the Watership Down Inn (01256 892254) in the village of Freefolk, after 7¼ km. A former regular patron was the author Richard Adams, and the pub was re-named in his honour. Do ring to reserve a table before leaving Overton. If it is fully booked, you will need to continue into Whitchurch for a late lunch unless you are carrying a packed lunch.

Trains:
Take the 10:15 Exeter St David’s train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:23), arriving at Overton at 11:16. If you miss that train you could take the 11:15 train to Whitchurch and do the Whitchurch Circular version of the walk (12km) which visits the same lunchtime pub.

Return trains from Whitchurch to Waterloo are at 15:54, 16:52, 17:54, 18:52, 19:54, etc. (journey time 65 minutes). Buy a Super Off-Peak Day Return to Whitchurch.

You can find further information and the walk directions
here.

T=swc.53