Celebrating 60 years of the Basingstoke Canal Society with a cruise and talk by Liz Dodwell – My Mother bought a canal.
Tim and Liz Dodwell have been involved with the Basingstoke Canal ever since Liz’s mother, Joan Marshall bought the canal at auction in 1949.
Liz’s book ‘My Mother Bought a Canal’ tells the extraordinary story of one woman’s vision and a family’s involvement in saving and preserving for the nation the glorious Basingstoke canal.
Enjoy an afternoon cruise along the canal with a talk by Liz on the adventures of her family since then. Copies of her book will be on sale from the galley, along with other books and souvenirs.
- Departs from Colt Hill wharf, Odiham, RG29 1DH Google link here
- Please arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the trip departs.
- The canal at Colt Hill is signposted down London Road at the eastern end of the High Street. Pass the Waterwitch pub and then cross Colt Hill Bridge, then turn right into the free public car park at the end of the road.
- Fully licensed bar and galley selling hot and cold drinks, light snacks and souvenirs
- Toilet on board
- Except for assistance dogs, we regret that dogs cannot be taken on public trips
- Please note that access into John Pinkerton is by five steps down from the rear deck, with handrails on each side. There is no mechanical lift for wheelchair users.
- For your safety, please wear suitable footwear (no high heels)
- Cruises take longer if the water level is low.
- Check the latest situation on our Status page so you can plan ahead.
- Public Trips terms and conditions are here
Natural England has designated this stretch of the canal as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). Not only is it a local recreational amenity but is also a notable wildlife habitat.
The alkaline water from the chalk springs at the western end of the canal mixing with the acidic water as the canal passes through the Surrey heathlands, has given rise to one of the largest varieties of aquatic plants and invertebrates in the United Kingdom.
Things to look out for include: kingfishers, herons, swans, ducks, geese, moorhens, damselflies and dragonflies
Click here to view our Boat Trip FAQs.
