DDA – Toddle Doddle https://toddledoddle.com Find Your Next Adventure Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:31:59 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 102446132 Dodge Puddles and Spot Graffiti on the Blackwater Valley Path https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-5-coleford-bridge-to-m3-bridge/ https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-5-coleford-bridge-to-m3-bridge/#respond Fri, 31 May 2024 14:03:24 +0000 https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-hollybush-pits-to-colefield-bridge-copy/ Rectory Road Play Area in Farnborough, Rectory Road Recreation Ground, Hampshire Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge

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

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Colefield BridgeThis is 2 miles long and starts near Coleford Bridge and the Kingfisher on the Quay pub.

 

 

 

 

Rectory Road Play Area in Farnborough, Rectory Road Recreation Ground, HampshireAn alternative starting point, about ten minutes away, is Rectory Road Play Area.

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 BridgeThe route takes you over a track with lots of puddles that sits next to the A331,

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridgeunder a bridge with graffiti covered supports

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridgeand then along the tree lined River Blackwater.

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 BridgeThis section has some of the best views of the river we have found so far. 

 

 

 

 

The Blackwater Valley Path

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 BridgeThe 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 5

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 BridgeThe paths along Section 5 are said to have hard surfacing that is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bikes.

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Colefield Bridge to M3 BridgeWe found the paths to be flat but uneven in places and sometimes very, very muddy.

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Colefield Bridge to M3 BridgeThis picture might look like it’s the river but it’s actually the path!

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Colefield BridgeThere 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?

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Colefield Bridge to M3 BridgeAs for Section 4, almost the whole of Section 5 of the Blackwater Valley Path runs along the A331 dual carriageway.

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 BridgeWe found being so close to the dual carriageway very noisy and will not walk along this section again.

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 BridgeHowever, we find the noise less intrusive when cycling and this is a largely traffic free cycle route we often use. 

 

 

 

Where to Next?

Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsUpstream – Section 4:  Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge

 

 

 

 

River Blackwater at Hawley Meadows, Camberley, Surrey and Blackwater Valley Path Section 6 M3 Bridge to Blackwater ParkDownstream – Section 6: M3 Bridge to Blackwater Park

 

 

Read More

 

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

Visitor Information

 

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.

 

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
3.0
Sending
User Rating 4 (1 vote)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

 

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

 

 

]]> https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-5-coleford-bridge-to-m3-bridge/feed/ 0 77955 Cycle Along the River on the Blackwater Valley Path https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-hollybush-pits-to-coleford-bridge/ https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-hollybush-pits-to-coleford-bridge/#respond Thu, 30 May 2024 09:56:33 +0000 https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-shawfields-ash-to-hollybush-pits-copy/ Carrington Recreation Ground and Play Area, Ash Vale, Surrey Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Rectory Road Play Area in Farnborough, Rectory Road Recreation Ground, Hampshire

Section 4 of the Blackwater Valley Path follows the river’s route along the busy A331 dual carriageway.  Unfortunately, you tend to be more aware of the road than the river. Nevertheless, it is a largely traffic free cycle route that we enjoy using.

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4: Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge

This is 2 miles long and starts near North Camp railway station.

 

 

 

 

Carrington Recreation Ground and Play Area, Ash Vale, SurreyWe parked at Carrington Recreation Ground, which is very near to the station and also has a play area.

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Colefield BridgeFrom here the path follows not just the River Blackwater

 

 

 

 

but also the A331 dual carriageway.

The road noise can be overpowering.

 

 

 

There are places to stop and rest along the way,

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Colefield Bridgesome pretty views of the River Blackwater

 

 

 

 

and also the local concrete and recycling plants. 

 

 

 

 

This section of the path ends at Coleford Bridge and the Kingfisher on the Quay pub.

 

 

 

Rectory Road Play Area in Farnborough, Rectory Road Recreation Ground, HampshireAbout ten minutes away is Rectory Road Play Area.

 

 

 

 

The Blackwater Valley Path

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Colefield BridgeThe 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 4

The paths along Section 4 are said to have hard surfacing that is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bikes.

 

 

 

We found the paths to be generally flat but uneven in places.  

 

 

 

 

They can also be very, very muddy.

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Colefield BridgeThere are some road crossings, which you need to cross with care.  Please see the Section 4 route description for full details. 

 

 

 

Would We Go Back?

Almost the entire section of the path runs along the A331 and it is very noisy.

 

 

 

There are some parts of the walk where you walk directly beside the dual carriageway.

Whilst we will not be going back to this section on a walk, it is a largely traffic free cycle route that we do use.

 

 

Where to Next?

Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsUpstream – Section 3: Shawfields to Hollybush Pits

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 5 Coleford Bridge to M3 BridgeDownstream – Section 5: Coleford Bridge to the M3 Bridge

 

 

Read More

 

Visit the Blackwater Valley Path website

See the Section 4 Route Directions

 

Further Information

Nearest Town: North Camp, Farnborough
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Hollybush Pits/Carrington Recreation Ground: GU12 5PG 
Nearest Postcode for Coleford Bridge/Rectory Road: GU14 7HX

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Doable with buggies but be prepared for some narrow paths. 

Parking: To park near Hollybush Pits, we go to Carrington Recreation Ground (GU12 5PG). To park near Coleford Bridge is harder but we were able to park at Rectory Road Play Area (GU14 7HX) and walk to the Blackwater Valley Path. 
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

Visitor Information

 

Ratings

Our visit to Section 4 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Hollybush Pits in North Camp to Coleford Bridge in Farnborough is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

 

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
3.0
Sending
User Rating 4 (1 vote)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

 

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

 

 

]]> https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-hollybush-pits-to-coleford-bridge/feed/ 0 77929 Discover a Canal in the Sky on the Blackwater Valley Path https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-shawfields-ash-to-hollybush-pits/ https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-shawfields-ash-to-hollybush-pits/#respond Wed, 29 May 2024 16:20:45 +0000 https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-2-pea-bridge-to-shawfields-aldershot-copy/ Shawfields and the River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Rowan Field in Ash, Surrey Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Walk - Section 06 - From the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot and Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Walk - Section 06 - From the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot and Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Walk - Section 06 - From the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Walk - Section 06 - From the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Walk - Section 06 - From the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Walk - Section 06 - From the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to Wellesley Woodlands in Aldershot and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area, Ash Vale, Surrey Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits North Camp Station - Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Carrington Recreation Ground - Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge

Stumbling across a canal flowing over a road bridge is one of the biggest surprises I have had on a local walk! The Ash Aqueduct and three play areas all wait along Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path. 

 

The Ash Embankment Aqueduct

Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsBuilt in 1994, the Ash Aqueduct carries the Basingstoke Canal over the A331 dual carriageway and the River Blackwater.

 

 

 

Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsSection 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path leads underneath the aqueduct and from down below it looks like a normal road bridge.  

 

 

 

Ash Aqueduct, Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsThis 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

Shawfields and the River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireThis is 2 miles long and starts at Shawfields or Rowan Field. 

 

 

 

 

Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireIvy Road Recreation Ground is a convenient place to park near Shawfields.  

 

 

 

Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireFollow 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

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pitsthrough narrow paths lined with brambles and stinging nettles 

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pitsalong the river

 

 

 

 

finally ending at North Camp railway station

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pitsand the Old Ford Pub.

 

 

 

 

 

Carrington Recreation Ground

Carrington Recreation Ground and Play Area, Ash Vale, SurreyWe continue on for a couple of minutes to play at Carrington Recreation Ground, which is also where we park.

 

 

 

 

The River Blackwater

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsAlong Section 3 of the path, the River Blackwater starts to feel like a fully sized river complete with weeds waving in the currents.

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsRiver 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

Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsThe paths along Section 3 are generally flat with a few gentle inclines and easy to use.  

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsThe paths after Lakeside Nature Reserve can be very narrow, overgrown and muddy with patches of stinging nettles and brambles. 

 

 

 

River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireThere is hard surfacing that is said to suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bikes.

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsWe 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.

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsBut 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?

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsWe 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!

Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireWe 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.

 

 

 

 

Lakeside Nature Reserve Adventure Play Area, Ash Vale, SurreyFrom 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?

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, SurreyUpstream – Section 2:  Pea Bridge to Shawfields

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 4 Hollybush Pits to Colefield BridgeDownstream – Section 4:  Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge

 

 

Read More

 

Visit the Blackwater Valley Path website

Visit the Section 3 Route

 

Further Information

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

Visitor Information

 

Ratings

Our visit to Section 3 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Shawfields in Ash to Hollybush Pits in North Camp is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

 

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
4.8
Sending
User Rating 4 (1 vote)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

 

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

 

 

]]> https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-3-shawfields-ash-to-hollybush-pits/feed/ 0 77887 Find a Five Leaf Clover on the Blackwater Valley Path https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-2-pea-bridge-to-shawfields-aldershot/ https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-2-pea-bridge-to-shawfields-aldershot/#respond Tue, 28 May 2024 09:30:32 +0000 https://toddledoddle.com/blackwater-valley-path-section-1-rowhill-to-pea-bridge-copy/ River Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 from Rowhill Nature Reserve to Pea Bridge in Aldershot Hampshire River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Aldershot Park and Play Area in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Aldershot Park and Play Area in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Aldershot Park and Play Area in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Aldershot Park and Play Area in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey Aldershot Park and Play Areas in Aldershot, Hampshire Aldershot Park and Play Areas in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Aldershot Park and Play Area in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey Four Leaf Clovers at River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire Four Leaf Clovers at River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire Shawfields and the River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshire Rowan Field in Ash, Surrey Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pits Rowan Field in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surrey

Along the River Blackwater are clover patches where you can find four leaf clovers. We have even found a five leaf clover here. These are very rare so be sure to only give one to someone you love very much!

 

Four and Five Leaf Clovers

Four Leaf Clovers at River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireMost clovers have three leaves

 

 

 

 

 

Four Leaf Clovers at River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshirebut some have four leaves

 

 

 

 

 

Four Leaf Clovers at River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshireand others have five leaves!  

These special clovers are hard to find. I’ve read that the odds of spotting a four leaf clover are 1 in 10,000 and a five leaf clover are 1 in 100,000.

 

 

Four Leaf Clovers at River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireWhen I was little, I read that finding a four leaf clover is lucky and finding a five leaf clover is even luckier so you should only ever give a five leaf clover to someone you love very much.  

 

 

 

 

Where to Look for Clovers

River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireTo give yourself the best chance of finding one and surprising your special someone, have a look amongst the clovers that line the Blackwater Valley Path from Ivy Road Recreation Ground

 

 

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surreyto just before the main road crossing in Aldershot.

Here there are enormous clovers so extra leaves are easier to spot. 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 2: Pea Bridge to Shawfields

Section 2 is 2.25 miles long. It starts at Pea Bridge in Badshot Lea and follows the river

 

 

 

 

Aldershot Park and Play Areas in Aldershot, Hampshirepast the well-equipped Aldershot Park and Play area

 

 

 

 

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surreyand along to a main road.

 

 

 

 

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, SurreyThis is a fast road so be careful when you cross.  

 

 

 

 

River Blackwater at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireBeyond this road, the path hugs the river again

 

 

 

 

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surreyand is lined with vegetation and giant clovers.  

 

 

 

 

Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireIvy Road Recreation Ground is to your left on the other side of the river

 

 

 

 

River Blackwater at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, Hampshireand is accessed by a small bridge.

 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireShawfields is at the same point on the path but to your right.  

 

 

 

 

Rowan Field in Ash, SurreyTo find the pond at Rowan Field,

 

 

 

 

Rowan Field in Ash, Surreyyou need to go diagonally across Shawfields (follow the noise of the dual carriageway!) and go up and over the A331. 

 

 

 

 

The River Blackwater

Lakeside Nature Reserve, Ash Vale, SurreyAlong Section 2 of the path, the River Blackwater grows wider and deeper and you start to see ducks, Canada geese and other water birds.

 

 

 

Aldershot Park and Play Areas in Aldershot, HampshireThere are stretches where you can access the river, for example at Aldershot Park 

 

 

 

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, Surreybut for much of Section 2 the river is hard to reach, either because the banks are steep 

 

 

 

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush Pitsor it is guarded by towering plants.

 

 

 

 

 

The Blackwater Valley Path

Blackwater Valley Path Section 3 Shawfields to Hollybush PitsThe 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 2

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, SurreyThe path along Section 2 is easy to use and flat.  

There are patches that can be overgrown and where you have to go through stinging nettles and brambles. 

 

 

River Blackwater and Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 at Ivy Road Recreation Ground and Play Area in North Town in Aldershot, HampshireIt has hard surfacing that is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bikes.

I found using a scooter harder as the surface is too uneven in places for little wheels. 

 

 

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 from Rowhill Nature Reserve to pea Bridge in Aldershot HampshireThere are some road crossings, which you need to cross with care.  Please see the Section 2 route description for full details. 

 

 

 

 

Would We Go Back?

River Blackwater Valley Path Section 2 from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash, SurreyWe often cycle along this stretch of the River Blackwater, starting at Aldershot Park and Play Area and cycling to Ivy Road Recreation Ground and then on to Rowan Field and Shawfield Recreation Ground. 

 

 

Where to Next?

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in HampshireUpstream – Section 1:  Rowhill Nature Reserve to Pea Bridge

 

 

 

 

River Blackwater at Lakeside Nature Reserve, Ash Vale, Surrey on the Blackwater Valley Path Section 3: Shawfields to Hollybush PitsDownstream – Section 3: Shawfields to Hollybush Pits

 

 

Read More

 

Visit the Blackwater Valley Path website

Visit the Section 2 Route Description

 

Further Information

Nearest Town: Badshot Lea, Aldershot and Ash
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode for Pea Bridge: GU11 3RD or GU11 3QJ (see below under Parking for details).
Nearest Postcode for Ivy Road: GU12 4XG

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

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

Parking: 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. 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.
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

Visitor Information

 

Ratings

Our visit to Section 2 of the Blackwater Valley Path from Pea Bridge in Aldershot to Shawfields in Ash is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

 

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
3.8
Sending
User Rating 4 (1 vote)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

 

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

 

 

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