Hampshire - Basingstoke Canal - Winchfield Hurst to Odiham Castle (& return)

How to get there - Winchfield Hurst is in north Hampshire, about 3 miles south of Harley Wintney. From junction 5 of the M3 head north towards Hook. Turn right onto the A30 for 5 miles to Hartley Wintney and turn right onto A323 (signposted for Fleet) for about 2 miles. Immediately after passing under the motorway turn right into Pale Lane.
The Barley Mow pub is at the far end of this lane. Go straight over the crossroads into Spratts Hatch Lane. The canal carpark is immediately on the left. (map)

Suggested Launch Site - Canoes can easily be launched over the bank but there is a slipway for larger craft

General Description - This part of the canal is delightfully rural with just a very few canalside properties. At Odiham there is a wharf with picnic tables and a small hire boat yard with narrow boats, rowing boats and canoes. There is a canalside pub here (the Waterwitch) and a mile or so further on (you will have to limbo under a lift bridge) is another pub (the Anchor - not quite canalside but next door to Swan Bridge). Shortly King Johns castle will be on the right and a hundred yards further is the current end of navigation. The last half mile to Graywell Tunnel is now a nature reserve which you can walk if you wish. (route)

The canal is famous for it's distinctive arch bridges all built in 1792 but there is a swing bridge near the western end. King John's castle is a few hundred yards beyond this.
In summer this stretch of canal is full of attractive dragon-flies.

Comments:

17 Mar 2007	Keith	Unfortunately the Barley Mow is currently closed so if you were planning a beer here you need another plan
28 Aug 2007	Keith	The Barley Mow is under new management and has now reopened
08 Nov 2007	Jackie Austin	Took lunch in the Barley Mow this week. Fantastic food, wonderful welcome even with a very wet dog! Pub looks great will be back on my next walk past.

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