Begin at the Beginning on the Blackwater Valley Path
The Blackwater begins in the tranquil Rowhill Nature Reserve and so does the Blackwater Valley Path, which winds with the river, past the source, waterfalls and bridges and out onto the streets of Aldershot and Badshot Lea.
The Blackwater Valley Path
The Blackwater Valley Path is 23 miles long, marked by signposts and divided into 12 sections.
These sections follow the river, are not circular and do not finish where they start.
Blackwater Valley Path Section 1: Rowhill Nature Reserve to Pea Bridge
Section 1 starts at Rowhill Nature Reserve car park
and leads you past the boggy source of the Blackwater,
where it then follows the infant river.
The path leads onto the streets
Section 1 ends at Pea Bridge, where section 2 begins.
Rowhill Nature Reserve
Rowhill Nature Reserve is a captivating nature reserve of ancient woodland with stumps to balance on,
trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle.
The Source of the Blackwater
The source of the Blackwater River is a bog marked by an information board.
There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into Stickleback Pond.
The River Blackwater
The River Blackwater is a small stream along section 1
that has little waterfalls and spots to splash in.
Once you leave the reserve, the river becomes a little wider and deeper and there is no access.
The Paths Along Section 1
I found the paths within Rowhill Nature Reserve easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along.
The paths through Aldershot from pavements to footpaths.
Some of the footpaths were narrow but they were all flat and easy to use.
There are some road crossings, which you need to cross with care. Please see the Section 1 route description for full details.
Would We Go Back?
We really enjoy Rowhill Nature Reserve and visit regularly but for me, the walk beyond the reserve does not add much as you do not really see the river. I don’t expect to visit this part of section 1 again.
Where to Next?
Downstream – Section 2: Pea Bridge to Shawfields
Visit the Blackwater Valley Path website
Visit the Section 1 Route Description
Visit the Rowhill Nature Reserve website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Rowhill Nature Reserve: GU11 3BD
Nearest Postcode for Pea Bridge: GU11 3RD or GU11 3QJ (see below under Parking for details).
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None
How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly
Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD), which can be busy. To park near Pea Bridge you can either park on the road near Tice’s Meadow (GU11 3RD) or park in the car park at Brickfields Country Park (GU11 3QJ) and walk down.
Cost of Parking: Free
Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.
Information Written: May 2024
Ratings
Our visit to Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot to Pea Bridge in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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Would We Go Back
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