Winchfield and Basingstoke Canal Circular

Richard Clayton

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This walk was re-written in 2009 to connect it to Winchfield railway station. Minor revisions were added in 2010, and new maps in May 2011. It takes in about six miles of the Basingstoke canal as it meanders between Odiham and Fleet, and explains the reason behind the most prodigious loop at Dogmersfield. This is a working canal and and one of the most attractive. It's easy to imagine Captain Mainwaring, Corporal Jones and their Home Guard colleagues on duty along the GHQ Defence Line, evidence of which will intrigue you.

There are three pubs en route which enable you to vary your starting point or your break. There is also an alternative shorter 5-mile circular walk - see Additional Info.

There may be temporary towpaths closures in force - see Additional Info.

England - South England - Hampshire - Canal Walk

Features

Birds, Church, Good for Kids, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

5/4/2017 - Harley Quilliam

Another great 'Richard Clayton Walk' ! We started at the Canal Car Park at the Barley Mow (WP4). However, as Richard mentions, there is a massive landslip between the Barley Mow and Blacksmith's Bridge, and the towpath is closed while repairs are made. (We could hear the piledriver at work!) We walked south from WP4, past various signs warning of the path closure, (and a very interesting 'mileage post' with a delightful poem attached at SU780535) to where a barrier actually closed the path (at SU780532), turned 'inland' via a short path that has been trampled through to Chatter Alley. Turned right and down to the school. Took the footpath alongside the school to Dogmersfield church. Turned right down Church Lane and right onto the footpath on the south side of Parsonage Copse (SU778520) to regain Blacksmith's Bridge. We looked in vain for signs of the 'ice house' in Dogmersfield Park at SU766519.

11/13/2009 - Lynn Dyer

I took my hiking group on this walk, my first outing as 'leader'. Proved to be a good choice for November, as the autumn colour was absolutely stunning, and everybody said they enjoyed the experience. The George and Lobster pub has been remodelled and is now called 'The Exchequer', with very friendly staff who allowed us to eat our own food if we bought drinks.

9/10/2006 - roy brown

Took a trip up from the south coast after reading previous recommendations. Lucky to have had a warm sunny day (Sept. 06). It's well worth it - great picnic spots by the lakes. No hills, easy going. Take your camera.

3/13/2006 - Christopher Jones

Nice walk with good variety - canal, fields, woods and lakes. Enjoyed it so much, we decided to reverse the route immediately - 19 miles all told!

8/29/2004 - Ian Melrose

I and my family (Wife, son and daughter, !, 12 and 10 yo) completed the 3 mile short walk and found it to be very enjoyable. Excellant scenery and easy going.