Dodge Puddles and Spot Graffiti on the Blackwater Valley Path
This stretch of the Blackwater Valley Path offers clear views of the tree-lined river and some colourful graffiti, if you will brave its puddled paths.
Blackwater Valley Path Section 5: Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge
This is 2 miles long and starts near Coleford Bridge and the Kingfisher on the Quay pub.
An alternative starting point, about ten minutes away, is Rectory Road Play Area.
The route takes you over a track with lots of puddles that sits next to the A331,
under a bridge with graffiti covered supports
and then along the tree lined River Blackwater.
This section has some of the best views of the river we have found so far.
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.
Paths Along Section 5
The paths along Section 5 are said to have hard surfacing that is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bikes.
We found the paths to be flat but uneven in places and sometimes very, very muddy.
This picture might look like it’s the river but it’s actually the path!
There are some road crossings, which you need to cross with care. Please see the Section 5 route description for full details.
Would We Go Back?
As for Section 4, almost the whole of Section 5 of the Blackwater Valley Path runs along the A331 dual carriageway.
We found being so close to the dual carriageway very noisy and will not walk along this section again.
However, we find the noise less intrusive when cycling and this is a largely traffic free cycle route we often use.
Where to Next?
Upstream – Section 4: Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge
Downstream – Section 6: M3 Bridge to Blackwater Park
Visit the Blackwater Valley Path website
See the Section 5 Route Directions
Further Information
Nearest Town: Farnborough, Frimley
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Coleford Bridge/Rectory Road: GU14 7HX
Nearest Postcode for M3 Bridge/Frimley Station/Burrell Road: GU16 7QH or GU16 7JG
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a picnic
Facilities: None
How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: The surface can be very uneven.
Parking: To park near Coleford Bridge is tricky but we were able to park at Rectory Road Play Area (GU14 7HX) and walk to the Blackwater Valley Path. To park near the M3 Bridge you can park at Frimley Station (GU16 7QH) or Burrell Road Car Park (GU16 7JG).
Cost of Parking: All free except Frimley Station, which is pay and display.
Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, ducks, moorhens, coots, Canada gees, butterflies and other insects.
Information Written: May 2024
Ratings
Our visit to Section 5 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Coleford Bridge in Farnborough to M3 Bridge in Frimley 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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