24th February 2010

The Blackwater Valley Path Challenge

If you enjoy walking but have always thought four or five miles is the most you could do in one go, why not give yourself a challenge and join a longer but organised walk. There is a suitable route that straddles the borders of Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, although it’s 23 miles long it follows the route of the River Blackwater and offers excellent walking as it is fairly flat and passes through a variety of different landscapes.

Anyone interested in taking up the challenge is invited to Walk the Path a special weekend walking event  held on 8th& 9th May. Organised by the  Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) the event is aimed at people who enjoy walking and would like to discover more about the Blackwater Valley.

“Many people will see the path is 23 miles and instantly dismiss the idea of walking it.,” explains Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer at the BVCP, “but the route is fairly flat and on the first day eight miles is along surfaced path. People can walk at their own pace or part of a group - they will be surprisedt just how quickly the miles pass b if they’re talking to others.”

Walk the Path is an annual event now in its sixth year. The unique feature is that there are walk leaders and back markers, designated refreshment points,  transport from the finishing point back to the starting point and a system in place to pick up anyone who can’t finish the walk for whatever reason.

“The event is extremely popular,” continues  Christine. “We find that many people have walked a short stretch of the path but not the entire length. Being a linear route often poses transport problems, but by coming on this organised event people don’t have to worry about all the details because we have done everything for them. They just turn up at the allotted time with their packed lunch..”

The overall pace of the walk will be easy rather than strenuous, with staggered starting times between 10-11am on both days. The route is divided into two sections, so that 13 miles (21km) are covered on day one (eight miles on surfaced footpaths) and just 10 miles (17km) on day two (although there are several stiles to cross on day two!). Participants can go at their own pace as maps are provided and there is a check-in system to ensure no one gets lost or left behind.  Refreshments and toilets are available and all walkers can be reassured by the knowledge that a minibus shuttle service will take them back to the day’s starting point. Everyone is required to register beforehand, paying £6 for one day, £10 for both days.

“More and more people are walking for pleasure and this event gives them an opportunity to go on a walk with like-minded people. When you say the path is 23-miles some people think they have to walk the entire length but of course they don’t have to. They can opt to come along for just one of the two days if they wish,” says Christine.

Full details about the walk can be obtained by writing to ‘Walk the Path 2010’ (WS), Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS; by ringing 01252 331353.

END

For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership,
Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.

NOTES

• Although the Blackwater Valley was once predominantly agricultural, urban encroachment and the extraction of sand and gravel have changed its character considerably over the past 60 years and now almost 150 lakes and ponds of varying size exist. Today the Blackwater Valley Path runs the length of the river and passes many of these lakes and ponds as well as through woodland, flower-rich meadows, parkland and much urban landscape.
   
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.
   
• Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham.