Navigable from Hook (near Odiham) to the River Way (near Byfleet). More of the canal exists West of Hook, but is not navigable.
Basingstoke Canal is only accessed via the Wey Navigation at Brooklands (near Byfleet) and then from the River Thames at Shepperton Lock.
Draught (depth) varies seasonally as the canal is predominantly fed by the Wey. Navigation to Greywell is achievable but it is recommended to check on water levels first. The canal can suffer from poor water levels at times of low rainfall.
Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Basingstoke Canal is a 32-mile-long inland waterway that connects the River Wey Navigation at Byfleet, Surrey, to the Basingstoke Canal in Hampshire, England. It was originally built to transport agricultural produce and goods between the towns of Basingstoke and London in the late 18th century.
Construction of the canal began in 1778, and it was completed in 1794 at a cost of £200,000.
It was designed by John Smeaton, who was one of the most famous civil engineers of his time. The canal was built using a series of locks, aqueducts, and tunnels to overcome the hilly terrain. It was a great engineering feat for its time.
The canal was primarily used to transport agricultural produce, particularly timber, from the woodlands of Hampshire to the markets of London. It was also used to transport coal from the Wey Navigation to the Basingstoke Canal, which was then used to power the mills and factories of Basingstoke.
The canal enjoyed a successful period of trade during the early 19th century, but the introduction of the railways in the mid-19th century led to a decline in its use. The canal was eventually sold to the London and South Western Railway in 1870 and used as a water supply for their steam locomotives.
In 1913, the canal was bought by the Hampshire County Council and was used as a recreational waterway. However, during World War II, it was closed due to the need for water to be used for agriculture. After the war, the canal was reopened for recreational use, but it suffered from neglect and lack of funding.
In the 1960's plans were made to close the canal and fill it in, but a group of local volunteers formed the Basingstoke Canal Society to campaign for its restoration. The society worked tirelessly to restore the canal and in 1991, the canal was officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, the canal is a popular destination for boaters, walkers and cyclists. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its diverse range of flora and fauna. The canal is also a valuable habitat for a number of rare and endangered species.
The restoration of the Basingstoke Canal is considered one of the most successful canal restoration projects in the UK. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers of the Basingstoke Canal Society and the importance of preserving our industrial heritage.
The canal has seen extensive restoration works since the early 1970's. In excess of 250 volunteers and almost 20 years saw the canal restored to use from the Wey Navigation Junction to Greywell near Odiham. A little over 30 miles are now in use with canal boaters, pleasure boats, canoes, rowing boats plus walkers and wildlife enthusiasts all using the canal.
To use the canal, you will need to obtain a licence from the Basingstoke Canal Society. Call 01252 370073 for information or purchase online. Licences are available are available on a Day/Week/Year basis.
In addition there is the need for a Wey licence that can be obtained from the National Trust. A transit licence can be obtained to transit from the Thames to the Basingstoke Canal.
You will need a CRT Watermate Key for the lift bridge at North Warnborough.
Take a look at Basingstoke Canal Society Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/basingstokecs
King John's Castle (Odiham Castle)
.4 miles from North Warnborough
7.9 miles from Basingstoke Centre
After the death of King Richard the Lionheart, the throne passed to his younger brother John.
King John had a castle built between 1207 & 1214 the remains of which can be found near Odiham (Hampshire).
Excellent walks along the last stretch of Basingstoke Canal and River Whitewater.
There is some light parking at the Tunnel Lane.
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