Treasured Spot

This stretch of water on the River Test in Hampshire is one of my favourite spots on the river . . . and probably the best known.
It is the location for the only watermill to be on the main course of the river and records suggest it dates back at least to the 16th century.  Milling ended at Sadlers Mill more than 80 years ago and because it subsequently became so derelict and in need of tender loving care it fell into disrepair to the stage that it came close to collapse.
New owners thankfully saw its potential and restored it to a new lease of life, and though there are a number of watermills on different parts of the river flowing through the market town of Romsey, none quite holds the fascination of Sadlers Mill.
It is also the location of one of a number of salmon leaps on the river where the mighty fish returning to their home waters to spawn can be seen leaping out of the water to reach higher reaches of the river.