Romsey Canal Walk
Enjoy an easy stroll along the old Andover Barge Canal on this short walk in Romsey. The Andover Canal was opened in 1794 and ran 22 miles (35 km) from Andover to Redbridge through Stockbridge and Romsey. The canal had a fall of 179 feet (55 m) through 24 locks, and for much of its length paralleled the River Anton and River Test.
This walk takes you along a section of the canal in the market town of Romsey in Hampshire. You can start the walk just to the east of the train station where there's a footpath running along the narrow canal. You can follow it north for about 2 miles to Ashley Meadows before returning on the same path. Just to the west of the canal there's some nice footpaths along the River Test which also runs through the town.
You could also pick up the waymarked Test Way which explores the beautiful Test Valley. You could follow the trail a short distance to the north and visit Mottisfont Abbey. The 13th century Augustinian priory is surrounded by glorious grounds and is a major highlight of the area.
Just to the east of the town you will find the Tadburn Meadows Nature Reserve where there's a nice sculpture trail and lots of wildlife to see.
The Monarch's Way long distance trail runs just to the east of the town. You can pick this up and enjoy trails through Ampfield Woods.
Romsey Canal Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Romsey Canal Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Romsey Canal OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Romsey Canal Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
If you follow the Test Way south for a couple of miles it will take you towards the lovely Testwood Lakes. This nature reserve has a series of nice footpaths with lots of wildfowl to look out for on the water.
For more walking ideas in the area see the New Forest Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Mid section of Canal Walk
Bridge from Fair Field to Canal Walk
Approaching a path junction on Canal Walk
