Public Trip from Fleet in the peaceful surroundings of the Basingstoke Canal
- Departs from Fox & Hounds Pub, 71 Crookham Road, Fleet, GU51 5NP
- Cruise time is approximately 90 minutes, but may be extended in low water conditions
- Please park in permitted on-street parking to leave the Pub car park available for its customers
- An opportunity to see a different section of the Basingstoke canal.
- Fully licensed bar and galley selling hot and cold drinks, light snacks and souvenirs
- Toilet on board
- Pre-booking for this trip will close at 10pm on the day prior to travel
- If seats are still available on the day, you can buy tickets from the boat captain at the wharf
- Public Trips terms and conditions are here
The direction the boat goes on the canal is alternated depending on which direction the boat is facing at the start.
Going north, you will pass through areas surrounding Fleet. The boat will turn downstream of Pondtail bridge.
Going south you will pass Crookham where the scenery will be more rural. You will see the swing bridge being opened, and passing the old stable cottage (now renovated); the boat will turn just below Chequers wharf.
Natural England has designated this stretch of the canal as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). It serves as 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.
As many as 25 of Britain’s 39 species of dragonflies and damselflies inhabit the canal.
Look out for kingfishers, herons, swans, ducks, geese, moorhens (often with young) and various local floras.
