They say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing! With that in mind, grab your walking boots, pack some waterproofs and sandwiches, and enjoy hours of fresh air along the beautiful Basingstoke Canal.
Whether you are a casual stroller, a dedicated hiker, or an enthusiastic cyclist, the Canal towpath is a great place for all to visit and of course in addition to the sights of the Canal, there are interesting places along the way to step off the path to visit.
Why Walk or Cycle the Basingstoke Canal?
The towpaths and countryside surrounding the canal provide a peaceful escape from busy daily life. From scenic woodland walks to picturesque waterside cycling routes, you’ll find the perfect way to reconnect with nature and enjoy some gentle exercise.
Whether you’re embarking on a short family outing or an all-day adventure, the canal offers a serene backdrop filled with history, wildlife, and charming landmarks.
Suggested Walking Routes
If you love walking, we’ve got some fantastic routes for you to explore:
Brookwood Cemetery Circular: A peaceful loop incorporating beautiful canal views and the historic cemetery.
Odiham Circular: Explore charming Odiham and its surrounding countryside, with great views of the canal.
Frimley Lodge Park/Basingstoke Canal Hiking Route: A popular choice for families and nature lovers.
Basingstoke Canal Circular: Enjoy a varied route with canal-side paths and beautiful countryside views.
West Byfleet to Hampton Court: A longer, scenic option for experienced walkers.
Several of these walks link to the OutdoorActive website, where you’ll find detailed maps and route descriptions. Signing up for an OutdoorActive account is free, though we suggest reviewing their privacy policy before use.
You can also download .gpx or .kml map files from OutdoorActive to use in most navigation apps, including Google Maps.
Cycling Along the Canal
The Basingstoke Canal towpaths are an excellent destination for cyclists of all abilities, offering smooth, scenic routes through beautiful countryside. Perfect for leisurely rides or as part of a longer cycling adventure, these paths are ideal for families and individual riders alike.
Popular Cycling Routes:
Brookwood to Odiham: Enjoy a long, uninterrupted ride along well-maintained towpaths with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
Mytchett to Woking: A family-friendly route with scenic stopping points for picnics.
Odiham Castle Trail: Combine a short cycle with a visit to the historic ruins of Odiham Castle.
Cyclists should be mindful of walkers on shared paths and always give way when necessary. Please also follow the Cycling Code of Conduct:
- Keep to the designated paths and ride at a responsible speed.
- Alert pedestrians with a friendly bell ring when passing.
- Take care at narrow bridges and blind corners.
- Other Useful Walking & Cycling Resources
To discover even more routes around the Basingstoke Canal, check out these helpful resources:
Cycling UK: Great cycling routes and resources throughout the UK, including Surrey and Hampshire.
Sustrans National Cycle Network: Information on designated cycling paths, including those near the Basingstoke Canal.
Respect the Countryside Code
Whichever route you choose, always adhere to the Countryside Code:
- Leave everything the way you found it – take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints.
- Respect wildlife and fellow canal users.
- Take your litter home with you.
We hope you enjoy exploring the Basingstoke Canal on foot or by bike!
