Events

Explore Ash and Lakeside Nature Reserve as part of Guildford Walkfest

25th September 2025, 10:30 - 12:00

Explore Ash and Lakeside Nature Reserve

Thursday 25 September 2025

10.30am – 12pm

Enjoy this one-hour, 2.5 mile, easy walk discovering water meadows, ponds and a wide range of waterfowl. A really great walk for families, buggy friendly, with two playgrounds to discover along the way.

The first sight on our walk is Ash Wharf. Whilst now just the backdrop to the adjacent shops, it used to be a bustling hub for pleasure boats operating from the nearby boathouse. This part of the Basingstoke Canal went into decline when the railway became available but, even in 1906, the bricks for the nearby St

Mary’s Church were unloaded here. On a summers day, you may still see canal boats as we pass by – but now used purely for pleasure!

We will follow the canal as far as the aqueduct – a fascinating structure taking the canal over the A331 Blackwater Valley Relief Road. Leaving the canal here, we descend to the Lakeside Nature Reserve Country Park. For the main part of the walk we will now follow well-made paths past many water features including ponds, lakes and water meadows with their wide range of waterfowl. If you have them, it is definitely worth bringing a pair of binoculars with you on this walk.

The final part of the route takes us back along the canal from the aqueduct to the village centre where there are a number of food and drink options available. Alternatively, there is an attractive traditional English pub just a short drive away where you can relax and refresh yourselves.

Meeting Point:  Ash Community Centre Car Park, Ash Hill Road, Aldershot GU12 5DP where there is free parking for 4 hours.

Public Toilets are next to car park.

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Grid Ref: SU894 516

Note: Additional parking is available 200m further up Ash Hill Rd, Ash, GU12 5DN (opposite Ash Victoria Hall)

NB. Bus route 20 (with 20 minute service) stops at Ash Wharf

Length of walk: 2.5 miles (4k)  and is classed as Easy.

No refreshments included.

This event is suitable for those with mobility issues but challenges vary, so please contact us beforehand to confirm suitability

Children, pushchairs and dogs are welcome.

The cost is free but you must book your ticket by pressing the brown button below.

Deadline for booking 22 September 2025

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