Dogmersfield
Children will enjoy watching boats and birds on the water and lots of bridges to go over and under on this walk.
The Basics
Time: 1hr 35mins
Distance: 5km
Terrain: Tow paths, paved tracks, flat all the way
Pushchair: The whole route would be pushchair friendly but for one kissing gate with steps about half way around. If you don’t fancy lifting it over, then a walk along the tow path, there and back again is still worthwhile.
Dogs: Yes, but must be on leads through sections of private land
Refreshments: The Barley Mow, Winchfield is near the car park
Toilets: None
Parking: Barley Mow Slipway Car Park, Sprat’s Hatch Lane - free, closes 8pm (Postcode: RG27 8ZY - W3W: hiked/exposing/resorting)
The restored Basingstoke Canal is a beautiful place to walk or navigate. It is a haven for wildlife and rich in history. This walk takes you around one of the most attractive sections between Dogmersfield and Winchfield.
The Route
Begin the walk by joining the canal from the access point in the car park. Turn left and walk along the tow path in the opposite direction to the bridge, passing the slipway to your right. For the entire first leg of this walk, just stick to the tow path.
The first bridge you will reach in this direction is Blacksmith’s Bridge. Cross the brick bridge and leave the canal. Go through the gate on the other side and then turn right, heading towards Tundry Pond. Turn left at the pond and follow the path along the side of it. The pond is private so paddling and dog swimming is not allowed.
At the private bridge at the end of the pond, turn left through the gate onto the surfaced drive. Take the first path that appears on your right, going in a straight line between fences.
At the end of this path is the kissing gate with steps as mentioned above. Pushchairs will either need to negotiate this or turn back. Turn left after the gate and follow the lane as it bends and then passes some pony paddocks. The beauty of the walk is that owing to a bend in the canal’s route, you will soon magically find yourself back at the canal!
Cross the bridge and then turn right to walk along the tow path. Follow the tow path with the canal on your right all the way back to the slipway and car park.
We suggest viewing the interactive map as a ‘Trails Map’ to ensure all the paths are visible:
Did you know?
The canal began in Basingstoke and travelled all the way to Byfleet where it connected to the Wey Navigation. This, in turn, led to the River Thames at Weybridge, allowing boats to travel from the docks in East London to Basingstoke.
