To Danebury Hill from Stockbridge

Stockbridge has developed from a frontier stronghold, built across the Test Valley by the Saxons to defend Wessex from marauding Danes, and a prosperous market town attracting Welsh sheep drovers en route to the markets in Surrey and Kent, to become Hampshire’s ‘fishing capital’. The clean waters of the River Test – one of England’s finest chalk streams – are renowned for their trout fishing. On your journey down the long main street you will cross at least six branches of the Test, and a short diversion on to Common Marsh will give you rare access to the river bank. Much of the river bank in this area is reserved exclusively for wealthy fishing syndicates. The imposing 17th-century Grosvenor Hotel is the headquarters of the oldest and most select fishing club in the world, the Houghton Club, founded in 1822. Membership is limited to 24 and the club rigorously controls the fishing of the Test. The room above the distinctive overhanging porch, built so that coach travellers could alight under cover, is where the club’s records have been kept since the club began.

Danish Dock

Towards the end of your walk, as you cross the valley at Longstock, you will see one of the distinctive thatched fishing huts that are dotted along the banks of the river. Beside the hut, on a bridge across the river, you will notice some iron traps. Originally made from hazel, they were lowered into the river to catch eels. Behind the hut and hidden in the reeds are the remains of a ‘Danish Dock’, built to harbour flat-bottomed longboats. These may have belonged to King Canute, who sailed up the Test and destroyed Romsey. Before fishing for sport dominated village life, Stockbridge maintained its importance and wealth by becoming a horse-racing centre during the 19th century. Between 1753 and 1898, a racecourse existed high on the downs above the village and was a venue for important meetings in the racing calendar, on a par with Ascot and Goodwood. A frequent visitor was the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), who rented two properties in the village, one for himself and the other for his mistress Lillie Langtry. You can still see the old, ivy-covered stadium across the field below Chattis Hill as you make your way towards Danebury Hill. Your long and gradual climb out of the Test Valley culminates at an important Iron Age hill fort on top of Danebury Hill. This ancient earthwork covers 13 acres (5.2ha) and is a magnificent sight, with its double bank and ditch along with an inner rampart up to 16ft (5m) high in places. It was occupied by the Atrebates, a Celtic people, from about 550 to 100 bc and excavations have revealed a detailed picture of this Iron Age society. The far-reaching views across Hampshire and into Wiltshire from the fort’s summit can take in six other hill forts on a clear day.

Walk west along the High Street (A30), crossing the numerous braided streams of the River Test. Begin the climb out of the village and, just before the start of the dual carriageway, bear off to the left along Roman Road. Keep ahead at the end of the road, walking along the narrow defined path that climbs Meon Hill.

Just before the Meon Hill Farm units ahead of you, look out for a stile in the overgrown hedge on your right. Cross this and walk along the right-hand edge of a small orchard to a stile. Cross the A30 (with care), then walk through the narrow gap opposite and along the right-hand edge of a large field, keeping to the ditch, along the field boundary to your left.

Ignore the footpath turning on the right and keep to the main path, that eventually bears left with the field edge to a grassy track leading to a gate. Turn immediately right along a wide, hedged track and, when the track bends to the left into a field, keep ahead on a narrow grassy track to a road junction. To visit Danebury hill fort, turn left towards The Wallops for 400yds (366m), then left again along the drive to the car park and access to Danebury Hill.

Retrace your steps back to the road junction you passed before Danebury Hill and take the byway to the left beneath a height barrier. Remain on this track as it descends back into the Test Valley. Eventually it becomes metalled as it enters the village of Longstock.

At the T-junction by the church turn left then right beside The Peat Spade Inn, along ‘The Bunny’. Cross numerous streams that make up the River Test, notably one with a thatched fishing hut and replica metal eel traps.

Just before crossing a bridge over the disused Test Valley railway and the A3057, take the narrow footpath on the right. Drop down and turn right along the old railway trackbed (here forming a part of the Test Way) for about a mile (1.6km). The path eventually merges with the pavement alongside the A3057, continue to reach the roundabout by The White Hart. Turn right here to return to your car.