Navigating the Basingstoke Canal – a wonderful hidden gem
The Basingstoke Canal is a wonderful 32 mile stretch of waterway running from the River Wey at West Byfleet through Woking, Fleet, to the attractive town of Odiham and King Johns Castle at Greywell in Hampshire. It is a picturesque waterway, being a fascinating trip on a narrowboat as well as being a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and protected by Natural England for the aquatic plant diversity and unique invertebrate populations. Overall there are 29 locks, Woodham 6, St John’s 5, Brookwood 3, Deepcut 14, and one at Ash.
Boating along this historic route provides a unique perspective on the beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife, and charming villages that line the waterway – and you end up at the historic King John’s Castle which is also one of the IWA’s Silver Propellor locations. It is great also for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorised vessels.
Note: The Basingstoke Canal is managed by the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA) on behalf of the owners, Surrey and Hampshire County Councils. The Basingstoke Canal Society (BCS) is a charity with over 300 volunteers which works closely with the BCA to maintain and develop the canal.
Navigating the Canal – Visiting Boats
The BCA provide a very helpful Boating Information Pack. This details how to get a licence to use the canal along with how to book times to transit the Brookwood and Deepcut flights, this being necessary to help manage the limited water and the rangers needing to ‘caulk up’ locks after passage to save water. In times of severe water shortage these flights of locks may have to be closed.
The Boating Information Pack also provides information on Moorings and Facilities. It is also worth noting:
- Volunteer Lockkeepers: to help boats through the Brookwood and Deepcut Flights we have a team of volunteers who will help you through these 17 locks
- Fuel: there are no boatyards or fuel available along the canal (apart from the petrol station alongside lock 11). However the is a fuel and pump outs at Pyrford Marina on the Wey and Shepperton Marina (near the entrance to the River Wey on the Thames)
- Pump Out: Galleon Marine at Odiham do pump outs but check with them first
- Check your boat’s height as there are low bridges at Farnborough Rd, Aldershot (max 1.7m above waterline)
- Shallow water: while we have a programme of dredging there are some shallow spots. These are passable and we suggest using lower revs
- Wey Transit Licence: to access the Basingstoke Canal you will need a River Wey licence. If you are not continuing along the Wey you can just buy a Transit Licence.
Trail Boats, Paddleboards and Kayakers/Canoes
Nominated as the 13th most beautiful waterway in the world for paddleboarding, it is a wonderful canal to explore.
Please before you set off, ensure that you have the correct licence which are needed for all unpowered boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards using the canal. Licences can be obtained online from the Basingstoke Canal Authority.
All monies go towards the upkeep of the Canal.
Long Term Moorings on the Canal
The BCA offer long term leisure moorings at three sites on the canal (detailed in the Boating Information Pack). Those living in properties alongside the canal can also apply to the BCA for leisure mooring licenses. There are a small number of residential moorings for houseboats on the canal at West Byfleet and St Johns, but these are held under individual leases between the owners and Surrey County Council.
Continuous Cruisers are welcomed as visitors and may be able to spend a winter on the canal, by prior agreement with the BCA.
Environmental Considerations
The major part of the Basingstoke Canal is SSSI status and home to a wide range of wildlife and plant species. To protect this valuable ecosystem:
- Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Dispose of Waste Responsibly
