The Test Way

In many ways the 44 mile long Test Way is the most fascinating where it passes through the marshlands of the Lowes Test Valley Nature Reserve at thehead of Southampton Water.
While the Test Way begins high on the chalk downs at Inkpen in north Hampshire and follows much of the course of the River Test to Eling on Southampton Water at  Totton, the part which passes through the tidal reaches of the Test estuary.
This part of the Test Way is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlive Trust who say the mixture of freshwater and saltwater gives a great range of habitats that is reflected in the large numbers of birds and flowering plants. It is one of the best sites in the country to see kingfishers and overwintering wildfowl regularly use this site. 
Over 450 species of wildflower have also been recorded here, including Southern marsh- and green-winged orchids.
There are several ways you can follow the path of the Test Way here, and I approached from a lane by the side of the appropriately named  Salmon Leap.

But be wary if you are following the Test Way. It can be wet and muddy at any time of the year and at high tide, much of the reserve is not accessible.