The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Trail is 33½ miles from Penny Bridge to the River Wey at Woodham.
This permissive footpath passes through a range of habitats from woodland and heathland to wetland and pasture. Each one supporting a different community of plants and animals. Wildlife has flourished in the canal's clear water, creating Britain's best site for water plants and dragonflies. There are many sights along the way, including Odiham Castle, the Deepcut flight of locks, aqueducts, scenic villages and historic buildings.
The towpath is level and well maintained, providing a safe and interesting route with plenty of access points. It is clearly marked and there are information points and picnic areas along the way. The canal acts as a green corridor linking the waterway with the wider countryside. This path also connects with many other trails, creating possibilities for long distance walks.
The Towpath Trail is easliy accessible. There are several railway stations near the canal giving walkers the option of walking one way and returning by train. There are excellent road connections and several car parks along the length of the canal. Almost back to Basingstoke! The canal towpath has been reinstated as far as Up Nately, 3½ miles from Basingstoke. This is currently the limit of the Towpath Trail. Basingstoke bus station occupies the former site of the terminus of the Basingstoke canal.
- Temporarily closed
- Restricted use
From Central car park head north up St Peter’s Street and through the churchyard to Free Street. Turn left, crossing over to a narrow by-way just past Butts Dell house.
Follow the track, bearing right up the hill at fork. Keep straight through Dundridge Meadow and, after bench, fork right to enter woods.
Continue past steps and, after 350m at cross tracks, turn sharp left and cross stiles to lane. Turn right and after 150m turn left into field then bear diagonally right through gaps in hedges.
Turn right at wood edge and at road take sharp left along bridleway between gates following uphill. Cross road with care into Lime Kiln Lane. At T-junction follow path ahead.
After barn turn left through gate for 30m before turning right to cross field. At top turn left along restricted by-way. Join road and at bend bear left to footpath.
Cross road to footpath between fence and hedge. Turn left at road then straight down bridleway. At road turn left and cross by-bass to North Pond Bridge. Turn right after last house (No 5) back to the car park.