Review
The route covers the 23 miles from the source of the Blackwater in Rowhill Nature Reserve at Weybourne near Aldershot to where it merges with the Whitewater and then the Loddon near Swallowfield.
We walked it in the reverse direction, thinking that following a river to its source was a more classic undertaking. It also meant we started nearer home.
The first few sections were all fairly familiar from other local walks: pleasant riverside paths with extensive sections of former gravel pits now turned into boating lakes or wildlife sanctuaries. There was a substantial Western extension of the gravel works which did not improve the walk.
The second half of the walk was severely marred by traffic noise resulting from proximity to the busy A331 road.
Overall, therefore rather disappointing. There were some nice sections but much was fairly dreary.
The guide book was very good, although stronger on the natural environment than the buildings that were en route. There is also a nice book of circular walks along the route and useful little books about the butterflies and especially dragonflies which may be seen.
Stages
12-11 Swallowfield to Eversley Bridge
10-8 Eversley Bridge to Sandhurst
7-5 Sandhurst to Farnborough
4-1 Farnborough to Weybourne
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