It rises in Andover and flows southwards for approximately 8 miles (13 km) to meet the River Test near Chilbolton.

[2] The river rises in Anton Lakes nature reserve, in north Andover, just below King Arthur's Way, and flows through the centre of the town.

[3] It is a chalk stream with failing quality water and supports a wide variety of wildlife.

[citation needed] Created as part of its Enhancement Scheme, the River Anton Way was originally a scenic 3.8 miles (6.1 km) walk along the river from Charlton Lakes in the north, via the town centre to Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve in the south.

There are several components that are used to determine this, including biological status, which looks at the quantity and varieties of invertebrates, angiosperms and fish.