9th March 2007

Valley’s Countryside Connections

Tongham Wood If you’ve only ever seen the area around the Hog’s Back from a car, as you travel along the A31, then you’re missing some wonderful countryside. You may enjoy the fantastic views as you drive east or west along the Hog’s Back, but it’s only when you get out of the car and explore the area on foot that you can really appreciate the area’s many natural delights.

Join Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on Thursday 29th March and discover the many paths and country lanes, local villages, woodland and open spaces found along the southern end of the Blackwater Valley.

Starting at Aldershot Park the walk follows the Blackwater Valley Path alongside Tongham Pool – a popular site for birds – before passing under the A331. Turning into Tongham Community Wood (pictured above) – once part of a much larger woodland but now managed by Tongham Wood Improvement Group for the benefit of the local community – the route continues through the site then on through Tongham, heading towards the countryside around the A31 Hog’s Back. Once across the A31, the route moves away from the main road and its accompanying traffic noise to the relative tranquillity of the area’s country lanes and surrounding woodland. Connecting with the North Downs Way, the route continues around Runfold before crossing back over the A31. There’s time to enjoy the open vistas before walking into Badshot Lea, where the route rejoins the Blackwater Valley Path and returns to Aldershot Park.

The walk covers around seven miles and is mainly flat, although there are some slopes and steps and it may be muddy and uneven in places, so please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Aimed at confident walkers the walk will take about three hours. Anyone is welcome, just meet at Aldershot Park car park off Guildford Road, Aldershot for a 10am start on Thursday 29th March. Booking is unnecessary. For more details ring 01252 331353.

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For more information contact: Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer
on 01252 331353. BVCP, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS

NOTES

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.