Traffic Jams on the Basingstoke Canal?

Not quite! But when a group from CPRE Hampshire walked along the canal on a late summer Saturday morning (8th September 2007), sometimes it did seem like that on the towpath. We passed other ramblers, dog walkers, families out for a stroll, joggers and bike riders, all testimony to how much people enjoy the canal and its surroundings. Needless to say, the canal itself was tranquil with occassional glimpses of wildlife and the odd narrow boat or canoe.

The walk was led by Chris Griffin, a member of Hart & Rushmoor District Group. It started with an introduction by Philip Riley, Vice President of the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society, whose relentless work from the 1960s led to the saving of the canal and its reopening in 1991. Philip related the canal's history - a grand vision of profitably transporting goods like flour and chalk from Hampshire to London and of coal and fertiliser in the reverse direction - a vison which sadly turned out to be a dream rather than reality. After a few intermittent boosts in popularity, such as when the Aldershot Army camp was being built in 1854, the canal deteriorated throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and became mostly derelict and unavigable by 1966 when the Society was formed.

Start of the walk at Barley Mow Bridge

The walk itself was loop going along the canal southwards from Winchfield Wharf (Barley Mow Bridge), crossing Blacksmith's Bridge, where the group left the canal and skirted Dogmersfield Park, rejoining the canal at Sprat's Hill Bridge for the return leg. The scenery varied from wooded canal sides, to open fields, to a fishing lake with wild geese and swans. As we walked Chris pointed out some planning issues, particularly isolated new developments in open countryside out of keeping with the surrounding area. Despite the objections of CPRE, the Canal Society and other organisations, several new developments had been approved, potentially damaging the tranquillity and character of this beautiful area.

CPRE walkers at Blacksmith's Bridge

At the end of the walk, Philip told of the Society's vision of creating a new canal from Odiham to Reading to connect the Basingstoke Canal with the Kennet and Avon Canal to create a navigable loop for boats. However, at the moment, there are financial pressures in keeping the canal maintained and navigable, with little margin should there be any major repairs needed. As he said:

"If you're in the canal preservation business, you have to be optimistic. If the founders of the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society had not been optimists, we would not have the wonderful canal we have today, with all the pleasure it brings to its different users".

The users on this occasion - CPRE Hampshire members - throughly enjoyed the walk through delightful and tranquil scenery. Several then ajourned to the adjacent and recently refurbished Barley Mow pub for refreshments.

With many thanks to Philip and Chris for their informative commentary.

David Skyrme
CPRE Hampshire Member

This page last updated 20th September 2007