Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Route

The Blackwater Valley Path is divided into 12 different sections Section 1 starts at the source of the River and section 12 finishes at Swallowfield Parish Hall. This is section 4 of the path heading northwards.
Distance 2½ miles

1. Locate the Blackwater Valley Path at the top of the ramp by roundabout on the west side of the A331. Now cross over road to Coleford Bridge using the roadside pavement.

From Coleford Bridge looking west you can see St Michael's Abbey. Built in 1888 and still used by Benedictine Monks.

Look North to see Farnborough Convent College. Home from 1881 - 1920 to Empress Eugene of France; founder of St Michael's Abbey.

2. Either, use steps down to River and continue, with care, under road bridge or, pass steps and at bottom of slope round bend.

3. Once under the road bridge pass, with caution, the entrance drive to the Quays and continue either, on path directly ahead (no steps) or, take track to right of River and after a short distance cross over River on large footbridge (steps) to rejoin path.

4. Pass beneath the railway and after going under the next bridleway bridge (access to Farnborough North Station) cross the River and turn left through a gateway to continue along riverbank on your left with views of Frinley hatches on your right.

5. At Frimley Bridge follow brown footpath signs. Cross Frimley Road and turn immediately left to cross one-way slip road at pelican crossings. Use pavement on road bridge to cross over major road. Either, descend steps on left, at base turn left beside major road, go under bridge and rejoin River. Or, take ramp further on (intended for wheelchairs), at base turn left and cross River, left again to follow major road under bridge and rejoin River.

6. Keep to right bank of river through Frimley Business Park to M3 bridge.

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