Selbourne Common

Selbourne Common is covered in towering trees, wildflower meadows and a hidden pond.

As you walk around, an occasional gap in the trees reveals a beautiful view across the Hampshire Downs, as if to remind you how high up you are.

The Zig-Zag Path

This path was cut by the naturalist Gilbert White and his brother in 1753 to make accessing Selbourne Common easier.

The Selbourne Hanger

The Zig-Zag path is on the steepest side of the hill, called the Selbourne Hanger. It is covered in precariously balanced trees.

The ascent is fairly gradual and not a challenging climb. We climbed for about ten minutes before reaching the top. 

The Views

The path seems never-ending but the higher you climb, the more rewarding the view.

By the time you reach the top, the views are breathtaking and the well placed bench is the perfect place to relax and enjoy them.

Go Wild

There are plenty of plants and animals for children to discover – stag beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects as well as birds, orchids and fungi.

Nearest Town: Selbourne, near Alton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 3JR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Either bring a picnic and blanket or alternatively, check out the Selbourne Arms, which is next to the car park. 
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets in the car park but nothing on the common.

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: We did not bring a buggy with us and were glad we hadn’t – the Zig-Zag path is steep and narrow with frequent steps. 

Parking: There is a car park behind the Selbourne Arms pub. From this car park, follow the ‘Footpath to Selbourne Common’ signs, which lead you down a shady footpath to the start of the Zig-Zag path.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, stag beetles, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: June 2025

Hankley Common

Hankley Common has beautiful views and some of the finest heathland in Southern England, all criss-crossed by a network of paths. 

We have stumbled across lizards, onto film sets and down steep, sandy hills. 

The Atlantic Wall

Hidden in the trees near Upper Car Park is the Atlantic Wall, which was built by Canadian soldiers in 1943. 

This was used to train soldiers to overcome the German defences they might face in northern France. 

Dragon’s Teeth

Scattered through the nearby trees are pyramid-shaped anti-tank obstacles, which were also used for training.   

James Bond

Hankley Common was one of the locations used for James Bond’s childhood home in the film Skyfall.  

Thor’s Den

There is a nearby play area called Thor’s Den, which is on the edge of Thursley Common, just a short drive from Hankley Common.

 

Nearest Town:  Thursley, near Farnham
County:  Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens:  Daily
Cost:  Free

Where to Eat:  Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There:  2 hours
Buggies:  I wouldn’t bring a buggy here as there are sandy hills to navigate. 

Parking:  There are two car parks that can both be found from Thursley Road. The first is called Upper Car Park and can be found using post code GU8 6LW. It is at the top of a little side road that comes off Thursley Road on the double bend (opposite a sign that says “Hankley TRG Area DZ Huts”). The second is called Thursley Public Car Park, which can be found using post code GU10 2LQ and is towards The Sculpture Park end of the road. 
Cost of Parking:  Free

Wildlife You Might See:  Birds, lizards, deer and insects.

Information Written:  November 2020
Information Checked:  May 2025

 

Nearest Town: Old Woking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU22 8JH

Adult Cost Range: £10 to £14.99
Child Cost Range: £5 to £9.99
Free if: 3 years and under

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: There is a cafe in the club house.
Facilities: Cafe, ice creams, snacks, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: March 2019
Information Checked: February 2025

The Trails

Various trails criss-cross Alice Holt Forest. Some are easy access, others are wilder.  Some are flat, others have steep hills. They are all marked and there are free maps available.

Story Book Trails

Alice Holt Forest is one of the venues that hosts story book activity trails based on the books of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 

Trails have included The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, The Highway Rat and Zog.  At the time of writing, there is a Superworm Trail.  

You buy a map bursting with activities to try along the trail – drawings to colour, puzzles to ponder and woodland things to spot.  

Along the way you also come face to face with characters from the stories, including the Gruffalo, Stick Man and the Gruffalo’s child.

The Timberline Play Trail

The 1km long Habitat Trail leads you past both adventure play areas 

and also hides huge play sculptures.

The Adventure Play Areas

Alice Holt has two adventure play areas.

Playwood Adventure Play Area is next to the cafe and has large wooden climbing frames, slides and swings.

Timberline Adventure Play Area is a five minute walk from Playwood and is a huge, circular obstacle course with wooden climbing frames, slides, bridges and nets. 

Other Activities

Alice Holt also has an Activity Centre and Shop that offers cycle hire 

table tennis 

volleyball 

and badminton.

There is also orienteering 

Go Ape 

and lots of picnic spots to try.

The Cafe 

This is located next to the main entrance and Visitor Centre.  You can its picnic tables to eat food you have bought there or brought from home. 

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 4LS

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, hire a barbecue or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue hire, cafe, ice creams, drinks, snacks, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Various, starting from £3 for one hour. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, tadpoles, frogs, birds, insects and the odd story book character.

Information Written: March 2016
Information Checked: February 2025

Playwood Adventure Play Area

Playwood is next to the cafe and has play equipment that includes:

• a large wooden climbing frame with a slide, tunnels, towers with easy to climb stairs, nets, a fireman’s pole and ladders 
• a smaller wooden climbing frame for younger children with a slide, a bridge, a fireman’s pole and easy to climb stairs
• a wooden hut with a rope
• a wooden shipwreck climbing frame 
• swings 
• toddler swings 
• a basket swing 
• an accessible roundabout
• picnic tables
• seats to sit on.

Timberline Adventure Play Area

Timberline Adventure Play Area is a five minute walk from Playwood and is a huge, circular obstacle course with slides, ropes and climbing frames.

Alice Holt Forest

Alice Holt Forest is full of things to do – play trails, cycle tracks, table tennis, orienteering, adventure play areas and even story book characters like the Gruffalo…

Story Book Trails

Alice Holt is also one of the venues that hosts story book activity trails based on the books of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 

Trails have included The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, The Highway Rat and Zog. At the time of writing, there is a Superworm Trail.    

The Timberline Play Trail

The 1km long Habitat Trail leads you past both adventure play areas and hides huge play sculptures.

Timberline Adventure Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• wooden climbing frames
• two slides
• a fireman’s pole 
• nets  
• ropes 
• wobbly bridges 
• climbing walls 
• picnic tables
• seats to sit on.

Playwood Adventure Play Area

Playwood Adventure Play Area is the second of Alice Holt’s play areas and is next to the cafe. It is about a five minute walk from Timberline Play Area.

It has play equipment that includes:

• a large wooden climbing frame with a slide, tunnels, towers with easy to climb stairs, nets, a fireman’s pole and ladders 
• a smaller wooden climbing frame for younger children with a slide, a bridge, a fireman’s pole and easy to climb stairs
• a wooden hut with a rope
• swings 
• toddler swings 
• a basket swing 
• an accessible roundabout
• picnic tables
• seats to sit on.

Alice Holt Forest

Alice Holt Forest is full of things to do – play trails, cycle tracks, table tennis, orienteering, adventure play areas and even story book characters like the Gruffalo…

Story Book Trails

Alice Holt Forest is one of the venues that hosts story book activity trails based on the books of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 

Trails have included The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, The Highway Rat and Zog. At the time of writing, there is a Superworm Trail.    

The Timberline Play Trail

The 1km long Play Trail leads you past both adventure play areas and hides huge play sculptures.

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 4LS

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, hire a barbecue or eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, barbecue hire, cafe, ice creams, drinks, snacks, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Various, starting from £3 for one hour. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, tadpoles, frogs, birds, insects and the odd story book character.

Information Written: November 2022
Information Checked: February 2025

The Thursley Common Fire

At the end of May 2020, a fire tore through the boardwalk area of Thursley Common. Lots of trees and vegetation were lost and so was the boardwalk, with its Dragonfly Trail. 

This is a picture of Moat Pond before the fire.

This is a picture of Moat Pond after the fire.

Happily, the Dragonfly Trail has been rebuilt!

Moat Pond

We start our visits at Moat Pond, with its pine scent and marauding ducks.

In the autumn it is surrounded by fungus – we spotted 50 different types last autumn! (I’m sure it goes without saying but we never touch fungus, we just look at it). 

The Dragonfly Trail

This leads you along the boardwalk and over the peat bogs. 

Along the way you can spot lots of insects and lizards 

and also sundews.

The Trails

When we want a short visit we walk around Moat Pond and watch the wildlife from one of the many little beach-like areas. 

If we are after a longer walk, we venture along one of the marked trails. 

The Wildlife

Thursley Common teems with nature and you can almost always see something wonderful.

From spring to autumn, you can see animals on every visit, including animals such as dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, and spiders. 

On one visit there were thousands of tiny toads hopping across the paths in every direction. 

The Lizards

The lizards are easiest to see when warming themselves on the boardwalk during sunny days. 

Thor’s Den

There is nearby a play area called Thor’s Den on the edge of Thursley Common. 

You can walk there from Moat Pond but it is quite far so you may prefer to drive (GU8 6QD).

Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: Up to 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly – we use an all terrain buggy as some areas are sandy and there are roots along some of the paths. 

Parking: There are lots of places to park along the road and a few car parks. We use the Moat Pond car park (GU8 6LW) as it is closest to Moat Pond. 
Cost of Parking: Free but a donation using a parking app is suggested.

Wildlife You Might See: Toads, frogs, wood ants, dragonflies, lizards, caterpillars, birds, spiders, grasshoppers and ducks.

Information Written: July 2019
Information Checked: October 2024

 

The equipment includes:

• toddler swings (with short ropes)
• a very small slide for young children with musical chimes and cogs
• a larger slide and multiplay with bridges and an abacus
• two deer springers
• a seesaw
• a basket swing
• a roundabout
• a zip wire
• a picnic table
• seats for adults.

 

 

Note that the larger slide is best suited to older children – it does not have easy to climb stairs and has a high, wobbly bridge.

 

Nearest Town: Thursley
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6QD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic tables.

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a car park. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Insects and birds.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: October 2024

 

Big and Small Flashes

 

There are two types of flashes. The big flashes are lakes that predate the canal.  

 

 

 

 

The smaller flashes are natural depressions that flooded when the canal was created. 

 

 

 

 

This bridge hides…

 

 

 

 

…a gorgeous lake!

 

 

 

 

 

Along this section of the canal you find Anglers’ Flash, Greatbottom Flash, Rushmoor Flash and Claycart Flash.  

 

 

 

 

Section 6 of the Basingstoke Canal Towpath

Section 6 of the Basingstoke Canal towpath takes you on a 3 mile walk from the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett

 

 

 

to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot.

This is not a circular path. 

 

 

 

 

The Route

This section of the towpath starts at the Basingstoke Canal Centre, which has a play area and cafe.

 

 

 

Then you pass two areas where the canal opens up – Mytchett Lake and Anglers’ Flash. 

 

 

 

 

From here it is on to the Ash Aqueduct, which flies the canal over the A331

 

 

 

 

and on to Ash Lock.

 

 

 

 

 

Along the way you go under bridges,

 

 

 

 

some of which are very low

 

 

 

 

and come complete with graffiti!

 

 

 

 

Your destination is Wellesley Woodlands with its paths, brass rubbing and activity trails. 

 

 

 

 

Plenty of Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere along the canal with plenty of waterbirds, including ducks and coots with gorgeous chicks.

You can often spot hidden herons…

 

 

…and a fox ran out across the path when I was cycling. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Walk or Cycle

This section of the towpath is 3 miles long and is not circular. It took us about 2.5 hours, walking at a child’s pace.

 

 

 

I often cycle this route and it takes about 30 minutes to go from the Canal Centre to Wellesley Woodlands. 

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The towpath is generally flat but can be muddy in places if it has been raining. 

The surface can be a little bumpy with stones in some places but is easy to use a bike or buggy along.

 

 

There is a road crossing at Ash Lock, so you need to take care. 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Next?

North – Section 5: The Deepcut Flight between Curzon Bridge and the Canal Centre    

 

 

 

South – Section 7: Wellesley Woods to Fleet to Crookham Wharf

 

 

Nearest Town: Mytchett or Aldershot (depending on which end you start from)
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD (the Canal Centre). GU11 2RE (Wellesley Woodlands).

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or eat at a cafe or pub along the way. 
Facilities: There is a picnic table along the way at Ash Lock and also at Wellesley Woodlands.  There is a cafe and picnic area at the Canal Centre. You also pass a canal-side pub, The Swan, just before you reach Ash Vale. At Ash Vale there are shops and a cafe. 

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: We parked one car at the Basingstoke Canal Centre (GU16 6DD) and a second at Wellesley Woodlands (GU11 2RE).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2024

 

Section 5 of the Basingstoke Canal Towpath

Section 5 of the Basingstoke Canal towpath takes you on a 2.75 mile walk from Curzon Bridge in Deepcut

 

 

 

 

to the Canal Centre in Mytchett. This is not a circular path. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Deepcut Flight

Section 5 includes the last 3 locks of Deepcut Flight, which is a series of 14 locks on the Basingstoke Canal between Pirbright and Surrey Heath.

 

 

 

In total these locks raise boats by nearly 100 feet in just 2 miles!

 

 

 

 

 

The Locks

The locks have two enormous wooden doors at each end with huge levers.

 

 

 

 

 

The Route

This section of the towpath starts at Curzon Bridge, a modern bridge that shelters Lock 25

 

 

 

 

and leads you past Frimley Lodge Park, which has two play areas, one with a castle theme

 

 

 

and a second with a woodland feel.  

 

 

 

 

 

About a ten to twenty minute walk further down the Basingstoke Canal takes you to the end of this section and the Basingstoke Canal Centre. 

 

 

 

 

Plenty of Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere along the canal with plenty of waterbirds, including ducks and coots with gorgeous chicks.

 

 

 

You often spot herons too, either frozen in the canal or wobbling along the path itself. 

 

 

 

 

The Walk 

This section of the towpath is 2.75 miles long and is not circular. It took us about 2 hours, walking at a child’s pace.

 

 

 

I often cycle this route and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Canal Centre from Curzon Bridge. 

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The towpath is generally flat but does rise a little along this stretch. This means that at each lock there is a little hill but nothing we found strenuous. 

 

 

 

The towpath can be muddy in places so be sure to bring wellies if it has been raining.

 

 

 

 

The surface can be a little bumpy with stones in some places but is easy to use a bike or buggy along.

 

 

 

 

There is a road crossing and then a section where you walk along a road so you need to take care. 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Next?

North – Section 4: The Deepcut Flight between Pirbright Bridge and Curzon Bridge    

 

 

 

South – Section 6: Canal Centre to Ash Lock to Wellesley Woods

 

 

Nearest Town: Deepcut or Mytchett (depending on which end you start from)
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU24 0DN (from Deepcut). The Deepcut postcode will take you to Stanley Hill, which is as close to the Deepcut lay-by as possible to direct with postcodes. The lay-by is actually next to the railway bridge on Gapemouth Road. For the exact location, please see the Where To Go Map as the marker called “Basingstoke Canal Walk 05 – Deepcut to Frimley Green to Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre” points to the lay-by. GU16 6DD (from Mytchett). 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: There is a picnic table along the way at lock 28.  There is a cafe and picnic area at Frimley Lodge Park and the Canal Centre. 

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: We parked one car in the lay-by on Gapemouth Road (GU24 0PQ – see above for details) and a second car at the Basingstoke Canal Centre (GU16 6DD).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2024

 

The Play Area

Next to the Canal Centre is a wooden play area with:

• toddler swings
• a springer
• a balance course with nets, tightropes, log stumps, a climbing wall, balance beams and rope swings.

 

So Much To Do!

There is a wide range of activities on offer: hire boats and canoes, walk to Frimley Lodge, play in the fields, enjoy the towpath, take narrow boat trips, explore woods and ponds, choose a picnic spot or check out the playground.

 

 

The Basingstoke Canal Centre

The Canal Centre has information on the canal, a gift shop, a campsite, and public toilets. 

There is also a cafe that serves a selection of refreshments, has indoor tables, and outdoor picnic benches.

 

 

Potters’ Pond

Behind the Canal Centre is a pond dipping area

 

 

 

 

and a wild woodland

 

 

 

 

 

with paths, ponds, and bridges.

 

 

 

 

 

The Towpath

I use an all-terrain buggy when we walk on the towpath. It is generally even but there are quite a few stones, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy.

 

 

 

We also enjoy cycling along the towpath down to Frimley Lodge Park

 

 

 

 

or further afield to see the giant locks that line the Deepcut Flight. 

 

 

 

 

Explore the Canal on Foot

The Basingstoke Canal has about 33 miles of towpath.

From the Canal Centre you can walk for about 20 minutes at a slow pace to the well-equipped Frimley Lodge Park, which has two play areas, a trim trail, sports facilities, and a cafe.

 

It also has the Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway, which has public running days at various times during the year. 

 

 

 

Explore the Canal by Water

You can also take a trip on Rosebud, a small narrow boat. Trips last about an hour but only run on a limited number of days. 

At certain times of the year rowing boats, canoes and pedalos are available to hire from the Canal Centre too.

 

 

The Swing Bridge Closes…

The swing bridge at the Canal Centre closes towards the end of the afternoon. The exact time is usually stated on a sign on the bridge.

After it closes, you can reach the Canal Centre by crossing the canal at the nearby road bridge, although there is a flight of steps to climb up.

 

…and so Does the Barrier!

There is a barrier at the entrance to the car park that closes at the end of the day. You cannot enter the car park after it has closed but you can leave – just drive up to the barrier and it will lift. 

Nearest Town: Mytchett, near Farnborough
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD

Opens: The canal is open daily but the Canal Centre has seasonal opening hours. Please see their website for details. 

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, and toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: About 2 hours.
Buggies: I use an all terrain buggy as the tow path is generally even but has quite a few stones on it, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy.

Parking: There are two car parks, one just through the entry barrier and another tucked away past the Canal Centre. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and insects.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: June 2024

Section 4 of the Basingstoke Canal Towpath

Section 4 of the Basingstoke Canal towpath takes you from Pirbright Bridge to Curzon Bridge in Deepcut. 

The is a picturesque two mile walk past 11 of the 14 locks in the Deepcut Flight.

The Deepcut Flight

The Deepcut Flight is a series of 14 locks on the Basingstoke Canal between Pirbright and Surrey Heath.  In total these locks raise boats by nearly 100 feet in just 2 miles!

The Locks

The locks have two enormous wooden doors at each end with huge levers. 

The Route

This section of the towpath starts at Lock 15, which is next to Pirbright Bridge 

and a conveniently placed car park.   

Then heads under Cowshott Bridge to Lock 17.

The Bisley Bullet

Along the path are remnants of the Bisley Bullet, a railway line that connected Brookwood to nearby rifle ranges.  This line was closed in the 1950s, leaving only its brick piers.

Curzon Bridge

The path leads past another seven locks 

and ends at Curzon Bridge, a modern bridge that shelters Lock 25. 

Plenty of Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere along the canal and we spotted butterflies, caterpillars, spiders, ladybirds, newts, freshwater snails and lots of fish, including a large one that looked like a pike.

There were plenty of waterbirds, including ducks and coots with gorgeous chicks.

The Walk 

This section of the towpath is 2 miles long and is not circular. It took us about 1.5 hours, walking at a child’s pace. I often cycle this route and it takes about 20 minutes to reach Pirbright Bridge from Curzon Bridge. 

Uphill or Downhill?

If you cycle or walk from the Deepcut to Pirbright you go down the hills.  If you cycle in the other direction, you are going uphill. 

The Paths

The towpath is generally flat but does rise 100 feet along this stretch. This means that at each lock there is a little hill but nothing we found strenuous. 

It can be muddy in places so be sure to bring wellies if it has been raining.

The surface can be a little bumpy with stones in some places but is easy to use a bike or buggy along.

Where to Next?

North – Section 3: St John’s to Brookwood to Pirbright Bridge        

South – Section 5: Curzon Bridge to Frimley Green to Canal Centre

Nearest Town: Pirbright or Deepcut (depending on which end you start from)
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU24 0AG (on Pirbright Bridge) or GU24 0DN (from Deepcut). The Deepcut postcode will take you to Stanley Hill, which is as close to the Deepcut lay-by as possible to direct with postcodes. The lay-by is actually next to the railway bridge on Gapemouth Road. For the exact location, please see the Where To Go Map as the marker called “Basingstoke Canal Walk 05 – Deepcut to Frimley Green to Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre” points to the lay-by.

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: There is a picnic table along the way at lock 28.

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: We parked one car at Pirbright Bridge (where there is room for several cars) and the other at the lay-by on Gapemouth Road (GU24 0PQ – see above for details).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: May 2017
Information Checked: June 2024

 

The Canal Centre Play Area

Next to the Canal Centre is a wooden play area with:

• toddler swings
• a springer
• a balance course with nets, tightropes, log stumps, a climbing wall, balance beams, and rope swings.

 

The Frimley Lodge Play Areas

From the Basingstoke Canal Centre you can walk for about 20 minutes to the well-equipped Frimley Lodge Park, which has another two play areas.

Nearest Town: Mytchett, near Farnborough
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD

Opens: The canal is open daily but the Canal Centre has seasonal opening hours. Please see their website for details. 

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, and toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: About 2 hours.
Buggies: I use an all terrain buggy as the tow path is generally even but has quite a few stones on it, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy.

Parking: There are two car parks, one just through the entry barrier and another tucked away past the Canal Centre. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada Geese, coots, moorhens, birds, butterflies and insects.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: June 2024

The Ash Embankment Aqueduct

Built in 1994, the Ash Aqueduct carries the Basingstoke Canal over the A331 dual carriageway and the River Blackwater.

Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path leads underneath the aqueduct and from down below it looks like a normal road bridge.  

This makes climbing the bridge and discovering a canal a stunning surprise, especially on a sunny day.

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3: Shawfields to Hollybush Pits

This is 2 miles long and starts at Shawfields or Rowan Field. 

Ivy Road Recreation Ground is a convenient place to park near Shawfields.  

Follow the path across the field to a small bridge and turn left onto the Blackwater Valley Path.

The path will lead you over footbridges

up to the Basingstoke Canal

past Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area

over a couple of roads you need to cross with care

through narrow paths lined with brambles and stinging nettles 

along the river

finally ending at North Camp railway station

and the Old Ford Pub.

Carrington Recreation Ground

We continue on for a couple of minutes to play at Carrington Recreation Ground, which is also where we park.

The River Blackwater

Along Section 3 of the path, the River Blackwater starts to feel like a fully sized river complete with weeds waving in the currents.

River access becomes very difficult because of the wild vegetation growing alongside. 

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.  

The Paths Along Section 3

The paths along Section 3 are generally flat with a few gentle inclines and easy to use.  

The paths after Lakeside Nature Reserve can be very narrow, overgrown and muddy with patches of stinging nettles and brambles. 

There is hard surfacing that is said to suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bikes.

We have all used scooters along this section between Shawfields and Lakeside Nature Reserve without too much difficulty, although the surface can be uneven in places and there are often stones or branches to dodge.

But the path around Hollybush Pits does not feel like it is surfaced. In some areas it has large chunks of rock and brick sticking out of the ground. This wasn’t a problem for a bike but I have taken a scooter this way before and couldn’t use it. 

We now don’t take scooters beyond Lakeside Nature Reserve.

Would We Go Back?

We probably wouldn’t go back to the whole of Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path because of the paths around Hollybush Pits.

Instead, we follow a different and circular route!

A Circular Alternative!

We often cycle along the first half of Section 3, beginning at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and cycling for about ten minutes to the Ash Aqueduct.

From here we either follow the Basingstoke Canal tow path

to Ash Vale for an ice cream, which takes another ten minutes.

From Ash we cycle back to the aqueduct and rejoin the Blackwater Valley Path North and cycle to Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area, which is about a five minute cycle from the aqueduct.

After Lakeside Play Area we cycle back to the aqueduct and then Ivy Road, which takes about 20 minutes.

Where to Next?

Upstream – Section 2:  Pea Bridge to Shawfields

Downstream – Section 4:  Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge

Nearest Town: Ash, Ash Vale, North Camp
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Shawfields/Ivy Road: GU12 4XG
Nearest Postcode for Hollybush Pits/Carrington Recreation Ground: GU12 5PG

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly up to Lakeside Nature Reserve but can be harder going afterwards. 

Parking: To park near Shawfields, we go to Ivy Road (GU12 4XG) – drive past the waste recycling centre and turn left next to the sign for Belle Vue Enterprise Centre. To park near Hollybush Pits, we go to Carrington Recreation Ground (GU12 5PG).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, ducks, moorhens, coots, Canada gees, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: May 2024

 

Rowhill Nature Reserve

There are stumps to balance on, trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

 

 

 

 

The Source of the Blackwater

The River Blackwater is stream-sized

 

 

 

 

but has little waterfalls and spots to paddle in.

 

 

 

 

The source of the Blackwater River is an area of bog. It is next to the pond and marked with an information board.  

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into… 

 

 

Stickleback Pond

…Stickleback Pond, which has a small dam and waterfall. 

 

 

 

 

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater quickly becomes stream-sized

 

 

 

 

and has little waterfalls and spots to paddle in.

 

 

 

 

Den Building

The paths wind through deciduous woodland with a spot for den building…

 

 

 

 

 

Rhododendron Avenue

…and along Rhododendron Avenue before coming to a tranquil meadow and field surrounded by trees.

 

 

 

 

The Paths 

I found the paths easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. There are paths that are narrow in places but they were all just ok for my narrow double buggy.

 

 

 

There are two paths from the car park on Cranmore Lane:

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path starts at the end of the car park near the white house and meanders through the reserve staying close to the River Blackwater.

 

 

 

This is Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path and is not a circular path and follows the river out of the reserve at Parkland Grove.

 

 

 

 

2. The Nature Trail

This is about 1.5 miles long and is marked by a series of posts, starting at the field centre (the wooden building next to the car park).

This is a circular path and begins and ends at the car park on Cranmore Lane.

 

 

This trail leads up over steps and a steep hill but these can be avoided if you follow the Blackwater Valley Path to the source of the River Blackwater, where the two paths meet up.

 

 

 

A copy of the nature trail can be found on the Rowhill Nature Reserve website, which marks the steps and an easy access, special needs path that can be accessed from Parkland Grove (GU9 9HA).

 

 

 

50 Things to Do

You could also tackle the 50 Things to Do at Rowhill Copse sheet the reserve have put together.  

How many can you complete?

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU11 3BD

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). This can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2024

Play Area for Younger Children

The first play area is for younger children up to the age of 12 years and has:

• a sand play area
• toddler swings
• a basket swing
• a seesaw
• a play house
• spinners
• a roundabout and
• an entertaining multiplay with three slides, nets, a climbing wall, fireman’s poles, binoculars, a loud hailer and an easy access ramp.

Play Area for Older Children

The second play area is for older children and has:

• various swings
• a basket swing
• an obstacle course 
• a climbing pole
• a rope climbing frame
• a trampoline
• a much larger slide that can be reached by climbing ropes, a climbing wall or a ladder and 
• picnic tabes.

Sports Grounds

Also at Aldershot Park are football, rugby and cricket pitches. 

Scooters and Bikes

A scooter track runs through the play area. 

There is also a surfaced path that runs around the outside of the play area and past the lake, which you can cycle or scooter along. 

The Lake

Around the outside of the play areas is a fishing lake with ducks, swans and geese. 

Parkside’s Cafe in the Park

There are also picnic tables, public toilets and Parkside’s Cafe in the Park, a cafe run by a local charity.

Blackwater Valley Path

If you fancy a walk then head over the playing fields towards the River Blackwater and the Blackwater Valley Path where we found butterflies, ducks and caterpillars. 

Aldershot Park is on Section 2 of the Blackwater Valley Path. 

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU12 4BP

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at Parkside’s Cafe in the Park. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans and Canada geese.

Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: May 2024

 

Ninja Warrior UK

Based on the TV series, the park has several sections – an inflatable course

 

 

 

 

Mount Sasuke

 

 

 

 

 

and the obstacle course, which ends with The Wall.  

 

 

 

 

 

Can You Beat the Wall?

The Wall is just like at the end of the TV course – you have to run up it as far as you can and then pull yourself up the rest of the way. 

 

 

 

We have always found the staff friendly and ready to offer technique tips so everyone has a good chance of making it to the top. 

 

 

 

 

Mini Ninja Soft Play

These are also sessions run away from the main area for children aged 0 to 3 plus an adult.  

Nearest Town: Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU1 1DQ

Opens: Daily

Adult Cost: Various – depending on the session you choose. 
Child Cost: Various – depending on the session you choose. 
Free if: You aren’t taking part. 

Where to Eat: Eat at the cafe. 
Facilities: Cafe, snacks, ice creams, toilets, accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a car park but it can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: August 2023
Information Checked: May 2024

The Jubilee Play Area

The play equipment includes:

• a tractor to play on
• a wooden house with a slide, climbing wall, fireman’s pole and ladder
• a zip wire
• swings
• toddler swings

• a basket swing
• a spinning, rope climbing frame
• a balance course and
• a picnic table.

Next to the play area is a small football pitch with a two goals.

Nearest Town: Tilford, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 2AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: Picnic tables

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There are parking spaces next to the play area.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: February 2023

 

Warning: Steep and Uneven Paths!

…but it is not an easy walk and involves steep hills, so this walk isn’t for everyone and should not be chosen without careful thought.

 

 

 

 

The Walk to Combe Bottom 

Trying to locate the quarry myself was the really exciting part, and actually took me two visits.

But for anyone without the luxury of time, here are the directions. 

 

 

From West Hanger Car Park there are two ways to walk down the hill to Combe Bottom but be warned, the hill is very steep – it’s not called West Hanger for nothing…

 

 

 

 

Route 1:  Along the Road

Walk out of the car park to the road. Turn right onto Staple Lane and then right again onto Combe Lane.

Follow Combe Lane down the hill, around a sharp bend to the right and you will come to this sign on the left.

 

 

Please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

 

 

 

 

 

Route 2:  Straight Down West Hanger

Leave the car park by the path on the left and walk into the woods. 

 

 

 

 

After a short walk through the woods, you meet a trail running to your right.

 

 

 

 

Be careful – the trail is very steep and uneven

 

 

 

 

and the path may be used by mountain bikers.

 

 

 

 

Near the bottom of the hill you will see the road. 

 

 

 

 

This is Combe Lane and it runs along the bottom of the hill. 

 

 

 

 

Cross the road and walk a short way to the left, until you see the Combe Bottom sign on your right. 

Again, please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

 

 

 

Finding the Holloway

From the Combe Bottom sign, follow the wild path for five to ten minutes, under trees,

 

 

 

 

through brambles patches

 

 

 

 

 

and into a holloway.

 

 

 

 

 

If it isn’t too overgrown, you might be able to spot the pillbox on your right. 

 

 

 

 

The route to the quarry is near the end of the holloway, up the steep bank on your left. 

 

 

 

 

If you reach this sign and the end of the holloway, you have gone too far.

 

 

 

 

 

To the Quarry!

You should now be standing on top of the steep bank with the holloway behind you.

You will notice a second holloway in front of you, which seems to run parallel to the first.

Believe it or not, this is the path to the quarry!

 

Follow this to the left until you come to a fallen tree blocking the way.

This is the entrance to the lowest part of the quarry. 

 

 

 

A Neolithic Quarry

The only information I can find about this quarry is that it dates back to the Stone Age, or Neolithic period, and was used to quarry flint. 

 

 

 

Today it is a huge, bowl-shaped hole in the hillside with steep sides.

 

 

 

 

 

Flint Tools

As you walk back up to West Hanger car park, and pause for the odd rest or two, keep an eye out for flints lying around or amongst the roots of trees.

You may spot a flint tool!

Have a look at the Wessex Archaeology website for details of the types of flint to look out for. 

 

Combe Bottom

Combe Bottom is part of the enchanting Shere Woodlands and sits at the bottom of West Hanger hill.

 

 

 

There is not much to see unless you would like to find the quarry.