4th June 2010

Exploring the Canal Connections

Get away from the traffic and the hustle and bustle of urban life and discover some of the pleasant rural countryside found on the west of the Blackwater Valley on this circular walk organised by the Blackwater Valley Walkers’ Link on Friday 18th June.

Starting from Dogmersfield – whose name derives from a Saxon description of the area, meaning "a field by the lake where the water lilies grow" – the walk will follow the Basingstoke Canal and take in Tundry Pond, a 20 acre lake which is a favourite haunt of wildfowl. Tundry Pond was completed in 1808 during the landscaping of Dogmersfield Park, although the park itself dates back to medieval times and was once owned by the Bishops of Bath and Wells.

Henry VI apparently often stayed at Dogmersfield, and the meeting of Henry VII and his son Prince Arthur with Katherine of Aragon took place here. Her marriage to Arthur, the heir to the throne took place a few weeks later, but her young husband died. His brother was crowned as Henry VIII and Catherine became the first of his six wives.

The walk will cover about  5¾  miles and should last about three hours and don’t forget to bring along your binoculars. Meet for a 10am start at the canal car park at Dogmersfield near the Barley Mow public house, grid reference SU 778 538. Wet weather clothing/sunscreen plus suitable footwear are recommended. The going will be relatively flat, but please be prepared to cross numerous stiles. For more details ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk.

More details about the BV Walkers’ Link >>>

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