A brief history of St Mary Bourne
The wooded areas around St Mary Bourne, especially to the south side of the lake contain a wide variety of wildlife. The traditional water meadows on either side of the Bourne Rivulet form pastureland from the lake towards the viaduct. The Bourne Rivulet is a chalk tributary of the River Test. Upstream views from the Summerhaugh Bridge in the village square include buildings dating back to the 16th century.
St Mary Bourne parish includes the larger village of that name together with Stoke. It also includes the surrounding hamlets of Binley, Dunley, Egbury, Upper, Middle and Lower-Wyke (pronounced “Wick” or “Week”) and Wadwick. The parish is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the villages of St Mary Bourne and Stoke form a Conservation Area. In the past the Parish’s main income was from farming, with supporting industries and trades. Swampton Mill, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, was the earliest recorded business
- Temporarily closed
- Restricted use
This walk passes through woodland with bluebells and cowslips in spring. It takes you along an ancient Drovers’ track with views towards Stoke and Hurstbourne Tarrant, dropping down to the Bourne Rivulet. The walk returns to the recreation ground via the Test Way and gateposts showing children’s poems.
Leave the recreation ground and walk to the village square, cross the bridge and bear left into Springhill Lane. At Hirst’s Bank Top Yard entrance turn right, climb the footpath steps and continue on this path past the Woodland Burial Ground. Pass through 3 stiles with dog latches and cross the road opposite the farmhouse. Follow the footpath (ignoring all paths off to your left) until you pass through a gap in the hedge leading to a wide track. Turn left and follow the track into Wadwick.
Turn left and walk along this quiet road until the next junction where you turn right towards Binley. Walk up the hill, ignoring the first footpath on the left and continue, taking the second path on your left. Follow the Drove Path through a tree lined section before reaching open fields. After the next tree lined section, bear right following the path along the field edge. Turn left at the field end. Follow the path along the hedgerow, through a gap in the hedge and then bear right diagonally across the field until meeting the Byway.
Turn right and follow the Byway to Gangbridge Lane and Bourne Rivulet. Turn left along this lane until meeting the main road opposite the school. Cross the road and turn right into School Lane. At the top of the lane bear left, following the Test Way and “Walk to School” route to the recreation ground. Take care when crossing the road.