Basingstoke Canal, Barley Mow to Odiham Paddle Trail

2.5-4.5 hours

Duration

9 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Easy

Difficulty

RG27 8DE

Start Postcode

RG27 8DE

End Postcode

A. Launch and turn right towards Odiham, going under the adjacent Barley Mow Bridge.

B. After passing under two bridges in the first mile, Sprat’s Hatch Footbridge is reached. This is a crossing point for the Three Castles Footpath.

C. For the following mile or so you will pass under Sandy Hill and Broad Oak bridges. Once you go under the A287 you will see a cruiser hire centre on your right.

D. A right hand turn then brings Colt Hill Bridge and Odiham Wharf into view with a public landing, car park and picnic
benches on the right. The Water Witch pub, on the left, is gained by going over the bridge from the car park.

E. Follow the straight route of the canal for just under one mile; there can be some summer weed growth in this section. Thereafter a sharp left turn, winds the waterway through North Warnborough and under the B3349.

F. Within a few hundred yards a lift bridge is encountered. It is quite feasible go under this. Paddling further on for a few minutes you will arrive at the ruins of Odiham Castle on the right. This is an interesting place to stop for a break before turning back as this is effectively the end of the navigable section of the canal.

G. Boaters are requested not to proceed beyond the adjacent viaduct over the River Whitewater as the area that leads up to the entrance of Greywell Tunnel is a conservation area.

Discover More

Enjoy a peaceful day out in the natural environment, on this very rural and attractive lock-free section of canal. For cyclists and walkers, there is a continuous towpath.

Odiham Castle was one of three strongholds built by King John. Completed in 1214, he chose the location because it lay halfway between Windsor and Winchester.

The Basingstoke Canal runs for 32 miles, from Greywell Village in Hampshire to Woodham in Surrey. It opened in 1794 to aid the development of agriculture in central Hampshire. By the 1960s, the canal was neglected and no longer navigable. In the 1970s, Surrey and Hampshire County Councils took the canal into public ownership and funded a program of restoration supported by volunteer work parties. The canal formally reopened in 1991.

The Basingstoke Canal is also a notable wildlife habitat. It has one of the largest varieties of aquatic plants and invertebrates in the U.K. 25 of Britain’s 39 species of dragonflies and damselflies inhabit the canal. The entire length, except for a part through Woking, is a SSSI. Greywell Tunnel, which marks the end of the navigable section, is an internationally important haven for bats.

It is a delightful canal to paddle on, as it feels quite remote, especially in the more western sections. The peace can occasionally be interrupted by the passing of helicopters from RAF Odiham.

Further useful information can be found on the following websites:

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Basingstoke Canal Authority, and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.