Testwood Lakes and Lower Test Walk

Self-guided walk, Totton

Now that summer is on its way it is a good time to be out and about. After a winter of lockdowns and restrictions they tell us that walking is good for our physical, emotional and mental health.

This walk explores Testwood Lakes and the reaches of the Lower Test. Certain parts of this walk can be affected by high tide, so if you are concerned about getting wet feet check the tide times.

The walk starts at the Testwood Lakes car park which closes at 16:00 but access to the lakes on foot is 24 hours.

The map was created on Google Maps and can be downloaded, complete with directions, by clicking here

Directions

The map above is there as a general guide. The directions below are much more comprehensive. The walk was tested and written up by Andy and Edit Nagel both part of the Watering Hole Community.

Testwood Lakes car park

Follow path in between the two lakes, turn left through the gate and follow the path straight ahead crossing the River Test to reach Mill Lane.

Mill Lane

Turn right and follow the lane for a while until you reach a footpath on the right to enter the Lower Test Nature Reserve, just after the junction.

Lower Test Footpath

Follow the path over the boards and through a field to reach a kissing gate

Marshes

Turn right after the gate so the railway line is behind you. Follow the path ahead and turn left to walk through a field to reach the board walk.

The Test Boardwalk

Walk over the boardwalk to reach the gate on the opposite side of the field.

End of Boardwalk

Turn right and cross over the River Test. Follow the path ahead until the first public gateway on the right.

Gate into field

Turn right into the field and cross it to reach the gate at the other side. After the gate turn right and head for the woods at the other side of the field.