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• Blackwater Valley Walks
• • Blackwater Valley
  • Blackwater Valley Path
  • Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge Route
  • Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge Route
  • M3 Bridge to Blackwater Park Route
  • Path sections on the boundary of Surrey Heath
• Maps
• Surrey Heath Museum
• Where to stay

M3 Bridge to Blackwater Park

Distance 1½ miles

1. Follow River under motorway into the first field of Hawley Meadows.

This field is the only place in Surrey where the Great Burnet grows, look for it just beyond the first footbridge. More can be seen just over the footbridge on the Hampshire side of the River.

In May and June this section of the River Blackwater is used by many fish to spawn. At this time shoals of Chub and Bream can be easily seen, just upstream of the confluence with Cove Brook is a good place to look.

2. Cross bridge turn right following River before veering left to the bridge over Cove Brook.

This slow flowing river supports dense aquatic vegetation such as Fringed Waterlilly. In summer the river edge has colourful stands of many species, look for Marsh Woundwort by the confluence with the River Blackwater.

3. Turn right after bridge and pass through meadows into Blackwater Park.

These meadows at the northern end of the site were deliberately lowered to store flood water, they are always wet in winter and so favoured by Snipe and ducks, but not by walkers who will appreciate waterproof footwear.

4. At end of Blackwater Park cross River using arched wooden footbridge to reach the A30.

Blackwater Park was once a gas works and railway sidings before being restored to a pleasant tree lined section of the River.

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View the next section of the Blackwater Valley Path - Blackwater Park