Explore the Mottisfont estate

Path sloping through chalk downland, with fields and trees in background, Stockbridge Down, Hampshire — Footpath across Stockbridge Down | © National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole

Explore 1,600 acres of wildlife-rich countryside on the Mottisfont estate and the south-west Hampshire countryside sites of Stockbridge Down, Stockbridge Marsh and Curbridge Nature Reserve that we also care for.

Walking on the wider estate

Discover the diverse countryside around Mottisfont on this varied, 6-mile walk through ancient woodlands, historic farmland and Mottisfont village.

Follow our Estate Walk route

The River Test

We care for 5 miles of the River Test and its tributaries. You can follow a branch of this iconic waterway as it flows through Mottisfont’s grounds. We’re currently working to restore declining habitat quality and diversity on the river with a new management regime.

Visitors to Mottisfont can take advantage of guided riverside walks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 25 September. Much of the River Test is privately owned so this is a rare chance to get close to this unique habitat outside of Mottisfont's grounds.

Visiting the wider estate with your dog

Dogs are welcome on our south-west Hampshire countryside sites, although please be mindful that these are wildlife conservation areas, and will also often have grazing livestock.

Find out more about visiting our south-west Hampshire countryside sites with dogs, including licence information for professional dog walkers.

Cycling at Spearywell Woods

Visit Spearywell Woods to explore the Mottisfont estate cycle paths at your own pace. These cycle routes have been designed to link together, offering you a choice of distance and duration. The paths are specifically aimed at family-friendly fun, so the routes can accommodate all ages.

Most of the paths are off road. The terrain is mostly flat, although you will find the occasional hill which can be physically demanding. Mountain bikes are advised. There are cafés at nearby Mottisfont if you need to refresh yourself with a snack afterwards.

Short route

This colour-coded circular route has been developed especially with families in mind and is entirely off road. Take in the coniferous plantations and spectacular beech woodland as you cycle through.

The route starts at Spearywell car park and is approximately 2km long.

Long route

Take your time and explore scenic landscapes, including farm and woodland in a village setting.

Colour-coded for guidance, this route involves varied terrain, including gravel tracks and some on road cycling. Starting at Keepers car park, the route is approximately 4km long.

Download the estate cycle route map

People in the distance walking beside the River Test at Stockbridge Marsh, Hampshire — Walking beside the River Test at Stockbridge Marsh | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Explore the south-west Hampshire countryside

The National Trust also looks after three countryside sites further afield in south-west Hampshire which provide key wildlife habitats as well as wonderful walks year round.

Curbridge Nature Reserve: Curbridge Nature Reserve is an ancient woodland that runs alongside the River Hamble. Mature and veteran oaks and ash, with an understorey of hazel coppice, holly and wild service trees provide habitats for birds, butterflies and key endangered species.Find out more about Curbridge Nature Reserve
Stockbridge Down: You can find breath-taking views and spot a variety of wildlife at Stockbridge Down, including over 40 species of butterfly. Possessing the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, earthworks and Bronze Age burial mounds, this is also a site of importance for archaeology, as well as nature conservation.Find out more about Stockbridge Down
Stockbridge Marsh: A rich wetland habitat situated just behind the High Street of Stockbridge, Stockbridge Marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It lies within the peaty river valley of the River Test and has Marsh Court stream, a tributary of the Test, running along its western boundary.Find out more about Stockbridge Marsh

Leave no trace

You can help us look after the countryside by closing gates behind you, keeping dogs under control, not using barbecues or campfires, taking all rubbish home and leaving no trace of your visit. Thank you.