Public Trip from Odiham. Cruise for 2.5 – 3 hours in the peaceful surroundings of the Basingstoke Canal.
Cruises take longer if the water level is low.
Check the latest situation on our Status page so you can plan ahead.
* Departs from Colt Hill wharf, Odiham, RG29 1DH
* On the day of your trip please arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before your 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.
*The fully licensed bar is open on all cruises from 11am. You can purchase real ale, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, drinks, and light refreshments, plus 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)
* Public Trips terms and conditions are here
The boat may go west towards King John’s Castle: look out for a mud barge (used in dredging the canal during the restoration in the 1970s/80s) and watch the lift bridge in operation. There may be the opportunity to visit the castle while the boat turns.
If the boat goes east: look out for Wilks Water (the former home of the theatrical Redgrave family), the beautiful Old Thatch garden, WWII pillboxes and several typical arch bridges. We will turn the boat just beyond Barley Mow wharf, Winchfield.
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
