Blackwater Valley Path
A 22-mile long distance footpath which follows the River Blackwater from its source in Rowhill Nature Reserve to its end in Swallowfield, where it flows into the River Loddon. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SU 849 500
Distance: 22 miles (35 km)
Time: 8–11 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
145 Guildford and Farnham
159 Reading, Wokingham and Pangbourne
160 Windsor, Weybridge and Bracknell
Summary
The Blackwater Valley Path is a long-distance path which follows the River Blackwater from its source in Rowhill Nature Reserve to Swallowfield, where it joins the River Whitewater to become the Broadwater for a short stretch before flowing into the River Loddon. The path passes through woodland and flower-rich meadows, linking a wide variety of nature reserves, country parks, water sports facilities, and other recreational areas. Places visited on the route from start to finish include Rowhill Copse, Pea Bridge, Lakeside Park (Gold Valley Lakes), South Farnborough, Mytchett, Farnborough Park, Coleford Bridge, Frimley Hatches Nature Reserve, Shepherd Meadows Nature Reserve, Trilakes Country Park, Finchampstead, and Swallowfield.