Leg 1 Inkpen to Linkenholt 7.1k
Most of the first leg (about 5k) is downhill until the path reaches the bottom of Cleve Hill Down. From there it’s a 150 feet (45m) ascent to the top of the down, then a gentle descent through Linkenholt towards the changeover point.
Men’s record time: 00:25:04 in 1996
Ladies’ record time: 00:28:07 in 2007
What3Words location for start: ///inspects.cries.giants
Parking at start of leg: Small carpark at Inkpen Beacon takes 10 ish cars
Leg 2 Linkenholt to Stoke Hill 8.8k
Leg 2 is a case of down and then back up again. It starts with a fast descent towards the village of Hurstbourne Tarrant in the bottom of the Swift valley. On the other side of village is Wallop Hill Down- a climb of 160ft (49m) and the steepest ascent of the entire race (there are a few steps for part of it). Once you’ve reached the summit, a gentler approach to the finish awaits.
Men’s record time: 00:29:17 in 2007
Ladies’ record time: 00:33:54 in 2005
What3Words location for start and handover point: ///padding.polar.menu
Parking at start of leg: Space at handover point for 2-3 cars on side of track
Leg 3 Stoke Hill to Middleton Farm 10k
The first mile, although a 260ft (79m) descent, is across rough fields and over stiles which slows it down. The route then cuts through St. Mary Bourne before a long 130ft (39m) climb over the downs. From there, it is relatively straightforward. The second half sticks to fairly well defined tracks and is largely downhill as you head towards the finish. The last mile through the eastern fringe of Harewood Forest is punctuated by two short sharp climbs before a well-earned changeover at Middleton Farm.
Men’s record time: 00:32:53 in 1997
Ladies’ record time: 00:39:14 in 2005
What3Words location for start and handover point: ///soothing.escapades.polishing
Parking at start of leg: Space at handover point for 2-3 cars on side of track
Leg 4 Middleton Farm to Wherwell 7.8k
This section crosses and follows a number of roads as it passes through the village of Middleton so sharp eyes are needed to spot the way markers indicating when the route leaves the road. Care should be taken on the road bridge which crosses the A303 just outside Middleton as there is no footway. On the other side of the bridge, runners begin to skirt the southern fringe of Harewood Forest where a fairly steady climb leads to the highest point of the stage (311ft or 95m) in Upping Copse. This is followed by a sharp descent to the changeover.
Men’s record time: 00:27:10 in 2003
Ladies’ record time: 00:31:35 in 2007
What3Words location for start and handover point: ///blindfold.starter.talked
Parking at start of leg: Very limited, 1-2 cars on the side of the road round the bend away from the handover point which is in the woods.
Leg 5 Wherwell to Stockbridge 7.5km
This leg is mostly a gentle descent down to Stockbridge. After Chilbolton, the Test Way runs along a well-defined south west path flanked by the river and the A3057. Half a mile outside Stockbridge, the path merges with the road, so runners need to take care as they approach the finish, particularly the section crossing the High Street at the busy roundabout.
Men’s record time: 00:26:34 in 1998
Ladies’ record time: 00:30:26 in 2007
What3Words location for start and handover point: ///tugging.solicitor.emulated
Parking at start of leg: Plenty of road-side parking in Wherwell, a 3-5 minute walk from the handover point
Leg 6 Stockbridge to Mottisfont 9.1km
This is a mostly flat section with a longish climb at the end to the handover point. The route follows a clearly defined gravel path for most of the way, until you turn right over the river where you cut across fields then go along a lane then across more fields up to the finish.
Men’s record time 00:28:56 in 2002
Ladies’ record time: 00:32:23 in 2006
What3Words location for start and handover point: ///imitate.increment.flight
Parking at start of leg: Plenty of road-side parking on the road next to the White Hart pub
Leg 7 Mottisfont to Romsey 9.1km
There are numerous stiles & gates along this undulating section of the route, as well as Squabb Wood, which can be muddy even after a dry spell. The path through the woods has low hanging branches, raised roots and the odd fallen tree blocking the way so be prepared for some proper cross country running on this section.
Men’s record time: 00:30:16 in 1990
Ladies’ record time: 00:37:00 in 2006
What3Words location for start and handover point: ///initiated.motion.marriage
Parking at start of leg: Layby taking 3-4 cars, just down from the handover point
Leg 8 Romsey to Totton 11.3km
The final leg is the longest and the flattest. A narrow section of the path about 3km after the start can be overgrown with waist high stingers unless they’ve been trodden down. Care is also needed on the boardwalk across the Lower Test Marshes near the finish. It can be very slippery in wet weather and a spring tide may result in wet shoes (although we’re hoping we’ve timed the event to avoid that!)
Men’s record time: 00:37:56 in 2003
Ladies’ record time: 00:46:43 in 2005
What3Words location for start and handover point: ///ultra.beast.shampoos
Parking at start of leg: No parking immediately near the handover point; park in Romsey and walk down, allowing 10 minutes or so.
Parking for finish: Plenty of parking at the Salmon Leap pub in Totton (they have a good-sized car park and there is also some parking on the road sides near the pub).