Why not ‘Get out and walk’

Press Release: 11/04/2012

Whether you are lucky enough to live here or just visiting, Test Valley is a great place to explore. Its varied countryside encompasses open chalk downland, beautiful river valleys and the special wooded hills of the North Wessex Downs.

These intriguing landscapes are connected by an extensive network of public rights of way. Four long distance footpaths and many miles of bridleways link extensive open spaces in public ownership including Stockbridge Down, Stockbridge Marsh, Chilbolton Common and Danebury Hillfort.

All of these features have now been conveniently brought together in a new booklet called ‘Get Out and Walk’. Test Valley Borough Council has worked closely with Andover and Romsey Ramblers to select six walks to tempt beginners out of their cars to enjoy the countryside. A number of local hostelries are also included for essential refreshment!

Alan Marlow, Hampshire Ramblers Access Officer commented “We are delighted to have the opportunity to encourage people to get out and walk in the countryside and to promote some taster walks in the north and south of the Borough. Each week hundreds of our members enjoy these and many similar walks in the Borough and across Hampshire. The leaflet gives full details of how to find out more about the Ramblers in Test Valley, so please get in touch with us soon.”

Councillor Peter Giddings, the Council’s Economic Portfolio holder added “Whether you’re cycling or walking, Test Valley offers fantastic opportunities for the beginner through to expert. It’s a great place to get out and explore with a wealth of history and after an enjoyable stroll, what could be better than a visit to the village shop or local pub for well-deserved refreshments? One of the aims of the Council is to provide open spaces that meet people’s needs and this new booklet will certainly help people enjoy the beautiful Test Valley”.

Copies of the leaflet can be found throughout the Borough from 18 April. Outlets include: Romsey Tourist Information Centre, Test Valley Borough Council Offices at Beech Hurst, Andover and Duttons Road, Romsey and many local tourist attractions and pubs. It can also be downloaded from the Council’s web site at www.testvalley.gov.uk/resident/communityandleisure/cyclingwalking/cycling/

Alternatively email dgleave@testvalley.gov.uk

The brochure is the latest in a series of promotional leaflets produced by the Council to show what makes Test Valley such a great place to visit. Others include The Churches of Test Valley and The Sprat and Winkle Line.