The Monarch's Way around Michelmersh and the Test Valley.

If you are keen on walks and nature then you will enjoy the history and landscapes of the Monarch's Way in the South of the UK. The way is a 625-mile long distance footpath in England that approximates the scape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester. It runs from Worcester via Bristol and Yeovil to Shoreham, West Sussex. All of the route is marked, using a logo with a drawing of the ship Surprise above a Prince of Wales three-point feathered crown on a silhouette of the Royal Oak tree. The route is commonly divided into four parts from Worcester to Stratford-upon-Avon via Boscobel (180 mi, 290 km); from Stratford-upon-Avon to Charmouth (210 mi, 340 km) and from Charmouth to Shoreham (225 mi, 360 km).

The route between Charmouth and Shoreham enters Hampshire where the Monarch's Way and the Clarendon Way continue to run together over through Broughton, crossing the River Test at Houghton. East of the Test the Clarendon Way continues towards King's Somborne, whilst the Monarch's Way joins the Test Way, heading south down the Test Valley past Horsebridge. The two paths re-cross the Test to Mottisfont, heading south to cross the River Dun at Kimbridge, where the Test Way continues South and the Monarch's Way heads East to cross the Test again to the Bear & Ragged Staff pub and climbs to Michelmersh (the location of our picture framing studio nearby Romsey and the Broadlands). From here eastwards for many miles the route reaches Braishfield, Ampfield Wood and the hamlet of Knapp to the north of Ampfield, before heading for Hursley, close to Winchester, before heading towards Shawford where the path crosses the Itchen Way.

As you can see the First Floor Gallery Picture Framing Studio is located right at the centre of many historical sites and countryside beauty spots. So what about walking part of the Monarch's Way to mark the coronation of King Charles III during this coming bank holiday. See you around!