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Clockwise from top left: Snake’s head fritillary on Chilbolton Common; Chalk hill blue on Stockbridge Down; Violets on Stockbridge Down

The biodiversity and the wide array of wildflowers and wildlife that prosper in the Test Valley do so largely because of the particular character and conditions that are created by the chalk stream environment. The valley floor, for example, is overlaid with calcareous alluvium − sand, silt, gravel and clay. Calcareous grassland harbours significant amounts of fairly rare vegetation, particularly grasses and herbs that flourish on well drained and shallow soils that also happen to contain lime. Bransbury Common (Walk 3) is one example and supports an extensive range of grasses and sedge. The tidal estuary Lower Test Nature Reserve is fed by an unusual mix of fresh and salt water, which helps to create a wide variety of habitat, particularly for birdlife including the elusive kingfisher.

Where to stay

In Inkpen village there are a couple of pubs with rooms. This is the type of accommodation (apart from hotels in both Stockbridge and Romsey) generally available at approximately 8, 11, 20, 24 and 35 miles, which coincides with the end of Stages 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, respectively. There is no accommodation at the end of Stage 3 so it may be advisable to complete Stage 4 to Wherwell and possibly even Stage 5 to Stockbridge. On finishing Stage 6 there is some accommodation at Dunbridge 0.6 miles (1km) away or you may prefer to continue to the end of Stage 7 in Romsey where there is a wider choice.