• Tourism

• About Surrey Heath
• Attractions
• 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

Path sections on the boundary of Surrey Heath

The Blackwater Valley Path is a long-distance footpath following the River Blackwater from its source in Rowhill Nature Reserve to Swallowfield and the confluence with the rivers Whitewater and Loddon. It forms the western boundary of Surrey Heath passing alongside the wards of Mytchett & Deepcut, Frimley Green, Frimley, Watchetts and St Michaels.

The route is being developed by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, through negotiation with local authorities and private landowners. The path is 23 miles long, including a section of 1¼ miles utilising roadside pavements. Efforts to replace this section with a riverside route and to extend the path continue.

The Blackwater Valley Path passes through a variety of different landscapes from woodland and flower-rich meadows, to parks and areas of urban development, linking a wide variety of nature reserves, country parks, water sports facilities and other recreational areas. Three sections pass alongside the western boundary of Surrey Heath.

• Hollybush Pits to Coleford Bridge - 2 miles
• Coleford Bridge to M3 Bridge - 2.1/2 miles
• M3 Bridge to Blackwater Park - 1.1/2 miles

Full details of the entire route can be obtained from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership who produce a book which includes full details and maps of the route, Blackwater Valley Path (£2.50 + 50p p+p).

The entire route is marked so look out for the blue and white Coot waymarkers which indicate the path route.
Surface

The path surface varies from unmade single track to wide surfaced - "multi-user" sections between that are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and buggies and bicycles. It is mainly flat, which makes it ideal for those with young families or, in the multi-user sections, people with mobility difficulties.

Obviously, the unsurfaced sections represent more of a challenge and are subject to change along with the weather conditions.

Transport
The Valley has excellent rail links. The stations of North Camp, Farnborough North, Blackwater and Sandhurst are all close to the path and are on the Thames Trains Reading to Gatwick service. South West Trains operate several services in the area, including those that stop at Frimley, which is a short walk from Frimley Hatches on the Blackwater Valley Path.

For information about all national rail services and fares, contact the National Rail Enquiry Service on 0345 48 49 50.