24th April 2006

Calling all Walkers...

If you enjoy walking and want to do something different it's not too late to sign up to walk the Blackwater Valley Path on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th May. This special weekend event, organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, will cover 23 miles over two days and is the perfect way to discover the contrasting scenery of the Blackwater Valley whilst keeping fit and healthy.

This is the second year ‘Walk the Path’ has been held, following a very successful inaugural event last year. “Over 60 people took part last year and the feedback we received was very positive." comments Sarah, Blackwater Valley Path Project Officer. "The event gives participants an opportunity to go on a walk with like-minded people and find out more about this relatively undiscovered part of the country at the same time. Because the walk is linear we will be providing transport back to the starting point at the end of each day and there will be manned refreshments stops en route, but people must book in advance."

The walk follows the route of the River Blackwater, which starts at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, and continues along the Blackwater Path to Swallowfield in Berkshire. The overall pace will be easy rather than strenuous, which is why the walk starts at 10am on both days and has been divided into two sections, covering about 13 miles (21km) on day one and 10 miles (17km) on day two. Weary registered walkers can be reassured in the knowledge that if they finish at the designated finishing point a minibus shuttle service will take them back to the day’s starting point. If you are interested in taking part it is essential that you register beforehand. Registration costs £4 per person for one day, £6 for both days. Phone Sarah on 01252 331353 by midday on Friday 5th May.

Although the Blackwater Valley was once predominantly agricultural, urban encroachment and the extraction of sand and gravel have changed its character considerably and now over 200 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. Nature reserves, parks and open areas walkers will pass both through and by include: Rowhill Nature Reserve, Aldershot Park, Tongham Pool, Lakeside Nature Reserve, Hollybush Park, Frimley Hatches, Hawley Meadows, Shepherd Meadows, Blackwater Park, Sandhurst Memorial Park and Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve.

END

For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.  

Notes

• Nature reserves, parks and open areas the walk will pass through/by include: Rowhill Nature Reserve, Aldershot Park, Tongham Pool, Lakeside Nature Reserve, Hollybush Park and Hill, Frimley Hatches, Hawley Meadows, Blackwater Park, Shepherd Meadows, Sandhurst Memorial Park, Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve.
• 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, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.