St Mary Bourne can be explored via paths by the water, the surrounding landscape and the historic village. The St Mary Bourne Lake walk begins at St Mary Bourne recreation ground, follows the lake and joins the Test Way there. The lake and the Test Way are therefore specific landmarks along the route described. You can plan your stay around both the landscape and the village’s history.

Paths by the Lake and River

The paths offer different highlights. The St Mary Bourne Portway walk is 1.5 miles long. The Test Way runs from Stokehill Farm down to St Mary Bourne, following the Bourne Rivulet along the way. The details therefore vary according to their specific reference: the Lake walk by the lake, joining the Test Way; the Portway, with a stated distance; and the Test Way, which follows the Rivulet on its way into the village. If you are considering which path suits your stay, these differences may help you choose.

Landscape and Watercourses

The wooded areas around St Mary Bourne, especially south of the lake, are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The traditional water meadows on both sides of the Bourne Rivulet provide pasture from the lake to the viaduct. Forest, watercourse and open pastureland thus come together in one landscape. St Mary Bourne lies within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For orientation, it helps to distinguish between the names and their functions: the Rivulet refers to the watercourse, while the Test Way is the path that follows the river. The description of the Rivulet as a chalk stream connects the local landscape with the River Test.

Village Views and History

From Summerhaugh Bridge on the village green, the view upstream takes in buildings dating back to the 16th century. This viewpoint links a specific place with the village’s long architectural history. St Mary Bourne and Stoke together form a Conservation Area. This shared historic designation is also part of the village’s character, adding the context of both places to the view of individual buildings.

The name St Mary Bourne also preserves a reference to the history of the church. St Peter's Church was originally dedicated to St Mary; this early dedication lives on in the village name. The place name and church can thus be connected, while Summerhaugh Bridge and the Conservation Area offer further clues to the village’s history.

Practical Information

St Mary Bourne recreation ground is an open space available for use by parishioners and visitors; the Lake walk also begins here. There is ample parking at St Mary Bourne Village Centre. It is advisable to check the route details again before setting out. The stated starting point for the Lake walk and the parking at the Village Centre provide two specific details to help with planning.

Discover more destinations: Ellingham, Hayling Island, Stroud, Liss, South Hayling, Beaulieu, Bishop's Waltham, Wickham.

For the full travel overview: Hampshire.