4.4
(987)
10,557
hikers
10
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Nursling And Rownhams offer a blend of rural and riverside landscapes in the Test Valley. The area features tranquil waterways, open meadows, and ancient woodlands. Key natural features include the River Test, Testwood Lake, and Little Testwood Lake, which provide diverse habitats for wildlife and clear waters. Modest elevations like Toot Hill offer views of the surrounding countryside.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.3
(9)
42
hikers
9.10km
02:19
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.9
(8)
21
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(1)
7
hikers
3.95km
01:00
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Nice walk past the water Mill where you can either go left out into farm fields and into woods towards Shootash or turn right out go into Romsey through the Memorial Park.
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It's called a lake, but it's in fact a reservoir, apparently able to store 270 million litres of water. It's one of the three lakes that make up Test Lakes Nature Reserve (the other lakes being Testwood Lake to the north and Meadow Lake to the north of that). In fact, this beautiful spot affords you beautiful views of both Little Testwood Lake and Testwood Lake. Worth stopping here to marvel at the natural world.
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A very interesting Bronze Age roundhouse is to be found on the northern banks of Testwood Lake. When the reservoir here was being built, evidence of this Bronze Age site was found, including not just the roundhouse, but also a timber bridge and a part of a boat. Also, nearby, there is a very interesting log with wildlife carvings on it - rather pretty!
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There are lovely views of the lake from its northern banks. Within the Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, it abounds in wildlife (e.g. oystercatchers and lapwings). Easy paths lead to the banks - on a sunny day, it's great to sit on the grass for a bit of quiet.
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This part of the Test Way passes around the edge of the Broadlands Estate, with glimpses of the Palladian mansion. The Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma reside here. This part of the Test Way can get waterlogged, particularly in winter! The whole Test Way is a 44 mile walk, from Inkben Beacon to Eling
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King John's House is a wonderful place to explore the medieval, Tudor and Victorian buildings. The gardens were officially opened in 1995 and are brilliantly presented, with colourful flowers and multiple benches where you can sit and relax in this peaceful garden. There are also tea rooms onsite.
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The Sadler's Mill, which is now a private residence, has a varied history. First recordings of the mill are dated back to the 16th century and it was originally used as a corn mill. Lord Palmerston bought the Sadler's Mill around 1740. At this time, there was a mill for fulling (part of the cloth making process) and a mill for corn. In the 20th century, an electric generator replaced the corn milling, to act as a backup electricity supply for the Broadlands estate. Until the water flow was altered in the 1990s, this spot was a brilliant place to watch salmon leaping through the river, as they swam upstream to spawn.
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Romsey Abbey is the largest parish church in Hampshire, and well worth a visit to admire the Norman architecture. The nave was built in the 12th and 13th century and consists of large Norman piers. Originally, the abbey was a nunnery, setup in the 10th century. Highlights include 2 saxon roods, a 16th century reredos and a tomb of King Charle's great uncle (Lord Mountbatten of Burma). There is no charge for admissions and open daily for visitors.
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There are 9 family-friendly hiking trails around Nursling And Rownhams featured in this guide. These include 2 easy routes and 7 moderate routes, offering a good variety for different family preferences.
The family-friendly trails in Nursling And Rownhams are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.37 out of 5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, well-maintained paths, and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for a family outing.
Nursling And Rownhams offers a rich tapestry of natural features. You can expect to encounter the clear waters of the River Test, the serene expanses of Testwood Lake and Little Testwood Lake, and diverse habitats within the Lower Test Nature Reserve. The area also features tranquil meadows, ancient woodlands like Great Covert, and opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife.
Yes, there are several easy options perfect for families with young children. For example, the Lower Test Nature Reserve loop from Lower Test Nature Reserve is a gentle 3.9 km walk. Another great choice is the Bluebell Woods loop from Lower Test Nature Reserve, which is 5.8 km and offers beautiful woodland scenery.
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in Nursling And Rownhams are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Lower Test Nature Reserve & Testwood Lakes loop and the Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve â Little Testwood Lake loop from Nursling.
Many trails in the Nursling And Rownhams area are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and open meadows. However, please be mindful of local signage, particularly around nature reserves like Testwood Lakes and the Lower Test Nature Reserve, where dogs may need to be kept on a lead to protect wildlife. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them.
Along the family-friendly trails, you can discover several points of interest. The Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve and Little Testwood Lake are excellent for wildlife spotting. You might also encounter historical elements like remnants of ancient Roman roads or the 12th-century Nursling Church. For a gentle climb with views, Toot Hill is a notable feature.
Parking is generally available at key access points for many of the trails, particularly near popular spots like the Lower Test Nature Reserve and Testwood Lakes. Nursling and Rownhams Country Park also provides well-maintained picnic areas and parking. It's always advisable to check specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.
Spring and summer are particularly lovely for family hikes in Nursling And Rownhams. In spring, the woodlands, such as those on the Bluebell Woods loop, come alive with wildflowers. Summer offers opportunities to see colorful dragonflies and damselflies around the lakes. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some paths may be muddy.
While popular spots like Testwood Lakes can attract visitors, the extensive network of paths through meadows and smaller woodlands often provides quieter alternatives. Exploring routes that venture deeper into areas like Great Covert Woodlands or lesser-known sections of the River Test paths can offer a more secluded experience. Checking komoot for routes with fewer recorded completions might also help identify less-trafficked options.
While specific establishments are not detailed in the route information, the villages of Nursling and Rownhams, and nearby areas, offer various pubs and cafes that cater to families. Many local pubs are welcoming to hikers and provide refreshments after a walk. It's a good idea to check local listings for options that suit your family's needs.


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