The Best Hike In The UK Is Only An Hour From Bristol, And You Can Easily Camp Along The Route

If you’re after fresh air, stunning views, and some peace and quiet, there are camping spots all along Hampshire Test Way.

Charlie Case • June 4, 2024

A beautiful wild camping location next to a woodland stream and wild flowers, with small tent in the background out of focus — Credit: William Barton, Shutterstock

Need to get out of Bristol and clear your head? There’s nothing like hiking in the great outdoors and sleeping under the stars to reboot. So find your tent, hiking boots and (unfortunately, but probably) waterproofs, because Andy Halliday, owner of The Expert Camper, has named the UK’s best hikes for camping enthusiasts. And the top spot is only an hour away.

The Hampshire Test Way is a 44-mile route that follows much of the River Test from its source near Ashe to the river’s mouth in Southampton. The actual route, however, begins in Inkpen and ends in Eling. Along the way, you’ll take in Hampshire’s diverse and scenic countryside – passing rolling hills, meadows and woodlands, and picturesque villages like Romsey and Stockbridge.

Thatched cottage on the banks of the river Test at Chilbolton Cow Common in Hampshire — Credit: Helen Hotson, Shutterstock

Mathematically, you could do it all in one day (the average person walks three miles per hour, 44 divided by three is just under 15 hours), but why would you want to? Stop to smell the roses a little. As Andy Halliday highlights there are several designated camping sites along the route – or you could risk it wild camping…

Hampshire County Council even has a handy guide that breaks the Test Way into eight bite-sized chunks. Tackle it over several weekends or just pick the sections that appeal to you most – whether that’s water meadows, tidal marshes, steep hills or peaceful woodlands. You’ll also find plenty of picnic and pub pitstops.

Footpath to the River test at Houghton in Hampshire — Credit: Invisible Edit, Shutterstock

Andy describes the root as being of moderate difficulty, but you’ll enjoy stunning views all the way. Just some historic landmarks include Mottisfont Abbey and the charming town of Whitchurch, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot kingfishers, otters, and a variety of bird species.

Beyond Hampshire, you’ll find the rest of the UK’s best hikes are very far from Bristol). Borders Abbeys Way connects four historic abbeys in the Scottish Borders. Meanwhile, you can see most of the east coast of England by following the Suffolk Coast Path, Norfolk Coast Path and Northumberland Coast Path.

The Best Hike In The UK For Camping:

1. Hampshire Test Way, Hampshire, England (44 miles)

2. Borders Abbeys Way, Scottish Borders, Scotland (68 miles)

3. Suffolk Coast Path, Suffolk, England (60 miles)

4. Norfolk Coast Path, Norfolk, England (90 miles)

5. Northumberland Coast Path, Northumberland, England (62 miles)