The Fire

At the end of May 2020, a fire tore through the boardwalk area. 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 roughly the same area after the fire. 

 

 

 

 

 

Moat Pond

We start our visit at Moat Pond, which is almost always smelling of pine and covered in 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 Play Equipment

The play equipment includes:

• swings
• toddler swings
• a pirate boat
• a seesaw
• a roundabout
• a multiplay with a bridge, bars and a slide with a ladder
• a second slide with easy to climb stairs
• a balance course
• two springers
• a hopscotch board
• a covered seating area
• an outdoor multi-gym
• a picnic table
• a table tennis table 
• seats.

 

 

Next to the play area is a very large sports field with a football pitch and a cricket pitch.

There is also a shop where you can buy snacks and ice cream and the child and dog friendly Holly Bush. 

 

 

A Walk to a Stream

If you walk down past the playing fields you come to a footpath through the trees.

This leads to a bridge over a little stream and some fields where we spotted some ducks and rabbits.

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 3BJ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: There is village shop next to the play area, a pub nearby where you can buy food.  You can also bring a picnic.
Facilities: A shop, pub and a picnic area.

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

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

Animals You Might See: Ducks, insects and rabbits.

Information Written: February 2020
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 play equipment includes:

• basket swing
• a climbing wall
• rocks to climb on
• a zip wire
• a spinning seesaw
• a large spinning seesaw (which was fenced off)
• a spinning disc
• picnic tables.

 

Nearest Town: Ash Vale, near Aldershot
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU12 5AA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

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

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, tadpoles, frogs, birds and insects.

Information Written: June 2021
Information Checked: June 2024

 

The Paths

Most of the paths through the nature reserve are buggy friendly and easy to walk on.

There are a few paths that are wilder too, like this path through the meadow.

 

 

To find the Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path. follow one of the paths next to the play area, heading away from the car park.

 

 

 

Lakeside Nature Reserve Play Area

Next to the lake and the car park is the Lakeside Nature Reserve Play Area.

 

The play equipment includes:

• basket swing
• a climbing wall
• rocks to climb on
• a zip wire
• a spinning seesaw
• a large spinning seesaw (which was fenced off)
• a spinning disc
• picnic tables.

 

Nearest Town: Ash Vale, near Aldershot
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU12 5AA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

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

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a good-sized car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, geese, woodpeckers, hedgehogs, tadpoles, frogs, birds and insects.

Information Written: June 2021
Information Checked: June 2022