Blackwater Valley and Basingstoke Canal

As our towns relentlessly develop and sprawl, we increasingly value the green corridors which separate them. In this afternoon ride, I explored the Blackwater Valley, the sliver of land beside the busy A331 road. A Blackwater Valley Trail was created as part of the A331 construction, following the valley of the diminutive eponymous river. Here's a map of my route.

I parked at the Lakeside Nature Reserve in Ash. I cycled out via the Blackwater Valley Trail as far as Blackwater (the town), then retraced my track (more or less) to Frimley Green Lakes. Here, I crossed to the Basingstoke Canal, and returned to my start along the towpath.

Apart from the din of the oft-present A331, this was a very pleasant afternoon's ride, a total of about 16 miles. The River seems to have been cleaned up and restored to health, making for pleasant surroundings between the short interludes when the Trail is right beside the A331. The trail passes a number of gravel pit lakes (although sadly most of these are closed for angling). Navigation is fairly straightforward, although where the Trail crosses the A331 beside Coleford Bridge Road and the A325, I did get disoriented.

North of the M3, the Trail enters more pastoral surroundings at Hawley Meads. As ever, the Basingstoke Canal towpath provides another pleasant waterside corridor, quiet on this weekday, but I know it can get busy at weekends.

The Blackwater defines the boundary between Hampshire and Surrey, so you are frequently crossing between the two counties. The town of Blackwater is at the junction with a third county, Berkshire.

The photos give more details.

The Trail is generally well signposted

Verdant river banks. The Blackwater River has been cleaned up and looks quite healthy

The Trail along Hollybush Lane, beside Hollybush Lakes. Originally, the Trail went through the Lakes fishing site, but the owner withdrew his permission