Hike: Fullerton and Chilbolton Cow Common Circular Walk

A break in the weather allowed my Mum and I to do another walk in the Test Valley, this time walking the Fullerton side to Chilbolton and back. There is a convenient starting point at the car park at West Down and around the corner is a wonderful pub that will supply some refreshment afterwards.

The walk starts by entering the disused Andover railway line to Fullerton. You enter the village over the bridge overlooking the historical water-powered, Fullerton Mill crossing the River Anton. The walk then rises through farmland up Red Hill to see some spectacuar views of the Anton Valley. Overlooking the valley you will also see the Chilbolton Observatory.

On the way back you are now heading down to Wherwell and the Test valley to its spectacular chalk streams, crossing the wooden bridge into Chilbolton Cow Common. The last time I was here it was the height of summer and full of kids paddling in the river, today as it was mid-week it was quiet but still breathtakingly beautiful.

After walking around Chilbolton Cow Common through thre recreation ground and following the River Test to a road. Crossing the road takes you to the nature reserve next to West Down car park where you climb up again to see some spectacular views of the Test Valley.

Should you want to have some refreshment after this walk there is a beautiful pub situated next to the river Test call The Mayfly that I highly recommend.

This walk can be found in the Cicerone guide to Walking the Test Way.