Walk the Path  2011

Join this special weekend event on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May, which follows the route of the Blackwater Valley Path. On Saturday you cover about 13 miles (21km) from Aldershot to Sandhurst and then 10 miles (17km)on Sunday from Sandhurst to Swallowfield.

The path is relatively flat and you can go at your own pace, although there will be walk leaders if you would like to walk with them. Refreshments and toilets will be available along the way and there will be transport back to / from the day's starting point on both days. There is also a ‘collection’service if you are unable to finish to walk for whatever reason

Costs: £8 per person for one day, £12 per person for both days. If you are interested in coming along please phone us first on 01252 331353 as there are only a limited number of places available.
Sorry, but due to demand there are no more places left for Sunday.
However, we still have places available on Saturday.
                                                                                           Booking form >>>

OPTIONAL: This year for the first time we are asking people if they would like to raise money for the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust or a charity of their choice. If you would like to get sponsored just indicate on the booking form that you would like a sponsorship form.  Alternatively you might like to add a donation to the BVCT on your booking form.  More details about the BVC Trust >>>

Event Details 

Saturday 7th May:  Aldershot to Sandhurst

The first day covers approximately 13 miles, predominantly on flat surfaced footpath. However the first section of the path through Rowhill Nature Reserve, the section through Aldershot Park and a section towards the end of the day will be along un-surfaced paths that can be wet and muddy.

Sunday 8th May: Sandhurst to Swallowfield 

Day two starts in Sandhurst and will take you to the end of the path at Swallowfield. You will cover approximately 10 miles over un-surfaced paths and will be walking along field edges, which can be muddy. There will be numerous field stiles to cross during the day. On both days there will be sections of road walking and road junctions to negotiate.

Route

The route will follow the Blackwater Valley Path, which largely follows the line of the river. Although the route is waymarked, there are a number of junctions where it may be difficult to follow, so maps will be given to all walkers before they set off.   There will be walk leaders that you can walk with if you wish. If you get to a point where you are not sure of the direction please wait. There will always be someone behind you to help.

Walk Start Points & Car Parking

• On Saturday 9th May car parking will be at Wellington Monument and a minibus will transfer walkers to Rowhill Nature Reserve Field Centre for the start of the walk. At the end of the day the walk finishes at Sandhurst Memorial Park and a minibus will take walkers back to the Wellington Monument car park.
• On Sunday 10th May the walk starts at Sandhurst Memorial Park. However there will be split parking, some walkers will be asked to go to Swallowfield Memorial Hall and a minibus will transfer them to Sandhurst, others will be asked to park at Sandhurst Memorial Park and when the walk ends at Swallowfield they will be taken by minibus back to Sandhurst. The hall at Swallowfield has been booked so that you can have a drink at the end of the walk and wait in comfort for your lift.

Walk Leaders

There will be a walk leader and back marker setting off with each group of walkers on both days. Please feel free to walk with either of them if you wish although you can also walk on your own at your own pace. There is no obligation to remain with your allocated group. There will be a walker who will remains at the very back to make sure no one gets left behind.

Stopping Points

There will be morning and afternoon stopping points on both days where refreshments will be available and a lunchtime stop with hot and cold drinks and toilet facilities. 

Check Points

We will take details of each walker at the start of each day.  There will be check points at each of the stopping points and at the finish. We ask all walkers to report at each check point, so we know that everyone is ok. If a walker leaves the walk for any reason they should inform a walk leader or another walker.

Walking Safely

On both days there will be sections of road walking and road junctions to negotiate. Great care must be taken when crossing the roads, as some are very busy. Some sections of the path pass through fields where cattle and horses will be grazing. All walk leaders and check points will have first aid kits and mobile phones, anyone experiencing difficulties or feeling unwell should let one of the walk leaders know. A vehicle will be available on both days to pick up any walkers who are unable to complete the walk.

What Walkers Need For The Event

• Comfortable footwear, suitable for country paths that can be muddy in parts.
• Suitable clothing for the weather either a water proof jacket or sun hat and sun screen!
• Bottle of drink and a packed lunch.
• Mobile phone, if you have one, it is always a good safety device although there will be walking guides with phones if there is a problem.
• Your information pack, containing the map and instructions for the walk. This will be given out at the start of the day.