River Test

The River Test is a chalk stream in Hampshire in the south of England. It rises at Ashe near Basingstoke and flows southwards for 40 miles (64 km) to Southampton Water. Settlements on the Test include the towns of Stockbridge and Romsey. The river's valley gives its name to the local government district of Test Valley. Below the village of Longparish, the river is broadly followed by the Test Way, a long-distance footpath.

River Test
The Test downstream of Sadler's Mill, Romsey
River Test highlighted in red, shown in South East England
Location
CountryEngland
CountiesHampshire
Physical characteristics
Source 
  locationAshe, near Overton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
  coordinates51.2454°N 1.2392°W / 51.2454; -1.2392
  elevation90 m (300 ft)
MouthSouthampton Water
  location
Southampton, Hampshire
  coordinates
50.9251°N 1.4792°W / 50.9251; -1.4792
  elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length64 km (40 mi)
Width 
  minimum1 m (3 ft 3 in)
  average20 m (66 ft)
  maximum56 m (184 ft)
Depth 
  minimum0.5 m (1 ft 8 in)
  average2 m (6 ft 7 in)
  maximum4 m (13 ft)
Basin features
Tributaries 
  leftRiver Blackwater, River Dun, Wallop Brook, River Anton, Pilhill Brook
  rightRiver Dever, Bourne Rivulet, River Swift
Site of Special Scientific Interest
River Test at Tufton
Grid referenceSU 384 355
InterestBiological
Area438.0 hectares (1,082 acres)
Notification1996
Location mapMagic Map

Much of the Test is a 438-hectare (1,080-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is part of the Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site and Special Protection Area. The river is used for fly fishing for trout from its source to its tidal limit.

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