Odiham Basingstoke Canal
A short history of Odiham
The Domesday Book describes Odiham in detail. Attractive buildings provide a long term link to work, worship and recreation of previous centuries.
North Warnborough is the complementary village within the Parish. It boasts the castle from which King John set out for Runnymede to sign the Magna Carta.
North Warnborough Green, Odiham Common and the Basingstoke Canal are Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Orchids, herbs, dragonflies, aquatic diversity and other wildlife are famous here.
You can see signs of the agricultural heritage in small fields where animals still graze. There are also many surviving public houses and high street restaurants. These will provide food, drink and somewhere to rest after enjoying a walk through the Parish.
Key
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- Route
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- Temporarily closed
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- Restricted use
Directions
This walk starts from Odiham Wharf. However, it is a figure of eight and you can start or finish anywhere on the Canal between Odiham and North Warnborough.
Take the towpath West to the Greywell Tunnel; visit King John’s Castle and enjoy views of the River Whitewater on the way. Cross (left) over the Tunnel (into Greywell) and briefly follow the road East over the river.
Follow FP 12 and then FP 13 until you arrive back at Swingbridge (now actually a lifting bridge).
Retrace your steps along the Canal to Swan Bridge. Cross over Swan Bridge and take FP 21 back to Colt Hill and thence return to your start point.