Guided walks along the River Test at Mottisfont
On Thursdays until September, join us on the River Test and discover the challenges chalk streams face. Learn about the essential and careful work of the Countryside team to restore these declining rivers and protect them for the future.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
Join us for a guided walk along one of the restored sections of the River Test, cared for by the Countryside team.
This walk offers a rare opportunity to access part of the River Test, much of which is privately owned. Along the route, visitors will learn about the challenges the river faces, see the restoration work carried out by the team, and discover the benefits this work brings to the landscape and wildlife.
Guided river walks are pre-bookable at Visitor Reception and take place on Thursdays. Please note, volunteer led guided walks subject to volunteer availability. Do please check with Visitor Reception after 10.00am on the day of the walk, to check your walk is taking place.
***Special note Thursday 13 August the river walk will take place at 11.30am - 12.30pm only***
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult Please meet at Visitor Reception 15 minutes before | £3.00 |
| Child Please meet at Visitor Reception 15 minutes before | £3.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call 01794 340757
- Accessibility
There are stop points for talk and discussion, but no seats along the route. Narrow, grassy paths which are uneven in places and can get muddy during periods of wet weather. Limited shade in hot weather. Not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or buggies. Safety briefing included, as the route crosses car parks/roads. Assistance dogs only.
- Meeting point
Walks must be booked on the day, at Visitor Reception. You'll be directed to the start point when you make your booking, where our River Guide will be waiting to greet you.
- Suitability for children
Sorry, these walks are not suitable for pushchairs/buggies.
- What to bring and wear
Come prepared for the weather. Sturdy footwear with good grip such as walking boots/shoes or wellies recommended. Open-toed shoes, sandals and flip flops are not permitted.
- Other
Please note that, while we'll do our best to ensure these walks will always go ahead as planned, they are dependent on volunteer availability. If you're travelling to Mottisfont especially to take part, we'd recommend checking ahead in case of any last-minute cancellations. Walks may also be cancelled in cases of adverse weather or essential, urgent conservation work. Please meet at Visitor Reception 15 minutes before the walk starts. Walk timings: 11.30am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm Thursday only. Walk cost £3 per person. Pay on the day at Visitor Reception. Guided walks won’t be running on: 25 June, 23 July or 27 August due to planned river maintenance work. Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Upcoming events
Pokémon joins Summer of Play at Mottisfont
Planning your summer holidays? Unleash your energy with the National Trust's Summer of Play supported by Pokémon.
Exhibition - 'The Art & Craft of Print'
Mottisfont celebrates the art of printmaking with an exhibition in partnership with the prestigious St Jude’s Gallery in Norfolk and featuring the work of some of Britain’s leading printmakers.
Children's yoga workshop with Kat Hutchings
Join us for a fun, free of charge introduction into yoga and mindfulness.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt: Storytelling with Merry-go-Round
Join professional storyteller Merry-go-Round to hear the tale of We're Going on a Bear Hunt. This live performance will engage children aged 2-8. Free event (normal admission applies)