Blackwater Valley Path

Ash, Surrey. This very pleasant path follows the Blackwater River for several kilometres northwards from Aldershot.
The path passes through a variety of habitats, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Along the riverbanks, you’ll encounter common wetland plants like yellow flag iris, water forget-me-not, and marsh marigold, which thrive in the damp soil. In the meadows, wildflowers such as oxeye daisy, red clover, and meadow buttercup add vibrant colours, especially in spring and summer. Patches of woodland provide shade, with trees like alder, willow, and oak dominating. Heathland areas near sections of the path are home to gorse, heather, and broom, giving the landscape a distinct character.

Finchampstead view. The Blackwater Valley Path was created in the 1980s as part of a collaborative effort to improve the Blackwater River and its surrounding environment. Once a heavily polluted area due to industrial and urban runoff, the valley underwent significant restoration, transforming into a haven for wildlife and a resource for public enjoyment.

Frimley Bridge Lake taken from the Blackwater Valley Path (a long distance route following the Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire borders, with many sections easily accessible for cyclists, the mobility impaired and young families).
The area has a rich historical tapestry. Along the route, you might encounter remnants of old mills that once harnessed the river for grain production or watercress farming, a significant industry in the region during the 19th century. Place names such as “Eversley” and “Swallowfield” hint at their medieval origins.

The River Blackwater near North Camp Station. The river and its adjacent wetlands attract a wide variety of bird species. Kingfishers, with their striking blue and orange plumage, are a highlight for many walkers, often seen darting low over the water. Herons and egrets are also common sights, wading in the shallows. The meadows and woodland edges support smaller birds such as wrens, robins, and warblers. In summer, swallows and martins can be seen swooping over open fields and water in pursuit of insects.

Gold Valley Lakes. A complex of small lakes to the west of the Blackwater Valley Road - seen from the towpath on the Basingstoke Canal. An angling competition seems to be in progress, judging by the number of fishermen.

Source of the River Blackwater. This spot in Rowhill Copse Nature Reserve marks the start of the River Blackwater. The river is formed by water accumulating in a bog. The bog is much bigger than it appears - about the size of a football pitch. It remains wet throughout the year and is surprisingly deep.

Farnham. The water itself is home to fish species like chub, roach, and perch, which in turn attract predators like otters, a species increasingly spotted along this stretch of the river. Amphibians such as frogs and newts may be seen in the quieter, marshy areas. The path’s heathland sections provide a habitat for reptiles like slow worms and common lizards, particularly in sunnier spots. Butterflies, including common blue, speckled wood, and peacock, are abundant in summer, and dragonflies patrol near the riverbanks.

Where Cove Brook joins the River Blackwater. This is Hawley Meadows, a peaceful haven between the busy Blackwater Valley Road and the Railway line.
Spring sees a burst of colour with bluebells carpeting wooded areas and blossom appearing on blackthorn and hawthorn trees. In autumn, the path is rich with fungi, and trees like oak and beech display vivid colours. Winter brings a more subdued but equally striking atmosphere, with bare branches revealing the landscape’s contours and increased chances of spotting overwintering birds such as redwings and fieldfares.