Where
Route
Distance & time (approx)
- 9.03 miles, around 3 hours 45 mins
Parking
- Barley Mow Slipway Car Park, Sprat’s Hatch Lane Hook RG27 8ZY – FREE Parking
Launch site
- Barley Mow Slipway – straightforward launch down the slipway and turn right
Launch fees
- £5 to paddle the canal for a day
- You can pay online before you go or over the phone, or in person at the Canal Centre – Basingstoke Canal Authority Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6DD
License required
- Members of British Canoeing are covered to use canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the Basingstoke Canal. Please carry your membership card with you. Otherwise you can pay £5 for the day, £15 for a week or £41.50 for an annual license.
Tides
- This canal is not tidal, therefore you are paddling slack water there and back.
Rider ability level
- As it is a long paddle in slack water, it is recommended for intermediate and experienced riders
Details of the paddle
This is a lovely paddle in the autumn due to the changing colours of the trees. There are many leaves in the canal which can make paddling in a straightline tricky at times. If you paddle in autumn, do be aware of tree debris floating too. The canal is only waist deep in the majority of places and along the route you will come to a very low bridge which you will need to get quite flat on your board to get
For more details on the paddle check The Basingstoke Canal Society website where you can also find information on 2 other routes to try.
Points of Interest
It is quite easy get out at Odiham Castle and walk around the Castle. This castle was built between 1207 and 1214 by King John. It was later known as a hunting lodge and King Henry VIII stayed there with Anne Boleyn before they were married. It has been known to be a ruin since 1605.
Photos of Odiham Castle courtesy of Ula Diakowicz Pabis. Also, kind thanks to Julie Beatens and Phil Jones for photos and details of their paddle.
