BOAT: Stevens Drove

• Overall Rating: 3
• Location: Houghton, Hampshire.
• OS Explorer Map 131, 'Romsey, Andover & Test Valley. Stockbridge & Ludgershall'.
• Starting OS Grid Reference: SU340322
• Starting GPS Co-ordinates: N51 08' 80" W001 51' 60"
• Finishing OS Grid Reference:  SU322331
• Finishing GPS Co-ordinates: N51 09' 70" W001 54' 10"
• To see: the River Test.
• ALWAYS follow the Greenlane Code!

At its eastern end this byway starts as a metalled road in the midst of some particularly unattractive housing that does not do justice to the otherwise pleasant hamlet of Houghton. As soon as that unpleasantness is out of the way, the tarmac ends and the byway heads straight as a die uphill on a lightly rutted surface of gravel, compacted earth and grass. Like many lanes in this area it is well maintained by those responsible for doing so, and nowhere along its length are encroaching branches a threat.

Reaching a summit of 60m AMSL, the lane kinks slightly to the right and then left again to resume its previous track, and as the hedgerows that line each side of the lane start to break up great views are offered southwards towards a ridge of hills and Bossington.

Shortly the lane begins a gentle descent and after another 200m or so it ends where it meets another UCR/BOAT combo called Broughton Drove.

The beautiful River Test can be found to the east of the lane, and although access to it is severely restricted due to the despot local landowners (you can leave the picnic at home...), the National Trust Common Marsh (SU354342, blue marker on the Google map below) is possibly the best (only?) place in this area to experience the river.

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