(S/E) The starting point is the public car park opposite the Barleymow Inn, just a few yards along Sprat's Hatch Lane, grid reference SU777538. Walk up to the Basingstoke Canal from the car park and turn right, under Sprat's Hatch Lane and following the towpath under Stacey's Bridge and Basely's Bridge all the way to the Sprat's Hatch Bridge.
(1) Cross over the bridge and follow the footpath past Sprat's Hatch Farm. Shortly after the path turns sharp left at the farm, look out for a footpath on the right adjacent to the big iron gates to the estate. Follow this path, fenced at either side with pigs, cows and assorted farm animals to see until it joins the main drive.
(2) Go left when the main drive reaches a T-junction, then pass through the metal gate that leads to Tundry Pond. Walk along the bank of this lovely lake all the way to the woods at the far end. Here turn right and follow the path over the canal bridge. Once across the bridge, take the towpath on the left back to the start point.
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 75 m - Start: car park opposite Barleymow Inn
1 : km 1.88 - alt. 82 m - Sprat's Hatch Bridge
2 : km 2.84 - alt. 77 m - Tundry Pond
S/E : km 5.19 - alt. 76 m - Finish: car park opposite Barleymow Inn
Useful Information
This leisurely walk (ideal for working off Sunday lunch) has the advantages of starting and finishing at a pub and has no hills to climb! It passes through the Dogmersfield estate and past the picturesque Tundry Pond.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 08/02/22 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Really enjoyed this short walk which we did after a pub lunch at the Barley Mow. I can recommend both the walk and the pub.
Diz
Overall rating :
4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 16/10/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Interesting and decent sized walk with very clear instructions.
Woodie Woodstock
Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 25/09/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
As the owner of a large dog I approach new walks with a degree of trepidation as there is no way I can lift my Saluki over gates and stiles. No worries here. Even with his long legs he could wiggle through them all. The path was very easy and flat. Might be a little muddy in winter but on a lovely sunny day we were glad of the shade along the canal. My dog was off lead most of the time. On this occasion there were no animals grazing in surrounding fields.
Parking is easy near the Barley Mow pub. If you plan to take refreshments at the pub do check opening hours before setting out.
Definitely a walk we’ll do again to enjoy the autumn colours.
baron
Overall rating :
4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 18/07/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
nice flat short walk
KatyR
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 13/03/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Great walk with super-easy instructions. Will be trying the longer version next time.
BenWalks
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 21/08/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Great easy walk for the whole family. Will be trying the longer route next time.
juliew3413
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 05/07/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Beautiful walk along the canal and through countryside. Simple directions and total lack of road walking made for an exceptionally enjoyable walk.
TF
Overall rating :
4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 21/06/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Beautiful, waterside gentle wall.
Perfect family walk on a sunny afternoon.
Brendangiblin1951
Overall rating :
4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 20/09/19 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
A fabulous leisurely walk. A perfect Indian summer day contributed, as did the occasional passing craft on the canal. Would recommend this!
Sarita J
Thank you for your feedback on the walk description, we've made the changes you suggested to the wording
daviderb
In the section just before Tundry Pond, the instruction "Shortly afterwards a metal gate to the left leads to Tundry Pond" is misleading. A better description would read "Go left when the main drive hits a T-junction, then pass through the metal gate that leads to Tundry Pond."
Sarita J
Thank you for your feedback on this walk! If you would like to make any suggestions for re-wording the walk description to make it clearer for other hikers, it would be most welcome
sarahcot
Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 06/01/18 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
The map was accurate however the wording in the description of the walk could have been a explanatory as found it a little vague in places. Overall the walk was nice and incorporates some nice scenery en route, would do this walk again
7.66 km+12 m-21 m2h 15Easy Departure from Winchfield (Hampshire)
A leisurely Hampshire walk that explores the Dogmersfield Estate and the Basingstoke Canal. This longer version explores some of the countryside in the vicinity too.
29.57 km+275 m-184 m9h 15Moderate Departure from Winchfield (Hampshire)
On this walk, you will be able to enjoy the tranquil Norman church, the peaceful canal, a ruined castle, colony of rare bats, ancient tracks on chalk, walk downs pretty hamlets far-reaching views.
If you do only this part of the walk, bear in mind that you will need transport to go back to the start point or to your home or return the same way back.
11.57 km+12 m-20 m3h 20Moderate Departure from Hook (Hampshire)
This walk leads to the ruins of 13th century Odiham Castle and the upper reaches of the River Whitewater, then follows the towpath along the scenic Basingstoke Canal.
9.40 km+78 m-77 m2h 55Easy Departure from Sandhurst (Bracknell Forest)
This gentle 9km circular walk passes through heathland, pasture and forest. Starting in Sandhurst, it takes in Wildmoor Heath nature reserve and part of Crowthorne Wood.
16.40 km+118 m-125 m5h 00Moderate Departure from Sandhurst (Bracknell Forest)
This walk brings you along rivers and lakes with nature reserve, Charles Kingsley's church, forest and heath, stately oaks, cricketers' pub and historic church with a view.
⚠️The railway crossing into Ambarrow Court Nature Reserve is now permanently closed and the Three Castles Path has been diverted to cross the railway further north.