Every year we organise a club day out that involves a scenic route somewhere. The route is divided up into small segments for between a mile and a couple of miles. The bus meets us at each leg for tea and cakes (and carries all our stuff). Its very social and fun.

In previous years we have run along the Basingstoke Canal. However this year for a change, it was decided to try something different and nearer to home. To make it easy it had to begin with a “B”, so someone (John I guess) suggested the Blackwater Valley Path. This runs from its source in Aldershot by the A325 through Frimley, Camberley, Yateley and Eversley to Swallowfield, where it joins the river Loddon.

This route was recommended by the legendary “Dave the Post”, the ardent Brentford FC supporter, who since retiring from running has turned his skills to finding good walking routes, so we knew it would be good...and end up at a pub!

The 10 of us met up at the Club in Finchampstead, and were driven by John Hennessey, the master of the bus for the day, to the start at Aldershot. After posing for the obligatory photo at 11am, we set off in sunshine. (We had previously drawn lots for who should carry all the survival kit and Paul Evans won. In recognition of this he was given a fetching red hat and Radcliffe socks)

The Route. The Basingstoke Canal run goes through quite built up areas, but at the back of peoples houses. This run along the Blackwater went at the front of the houses and so experienced more road noise. However don’t be put off as the local volunteer groups have done excellent work in making the paths very good and improving the whole aspect.

We started off by running along side the A331 dual carriage way, giving a different view of things from what you normally see in your car. We had stops every couple of miles to meet the van and “take tea” as Christina always says. The weather was warm and pleasant.

We had lunch at Horseshoe Lake (part of the Thursday run where all the watersports take place). Here we were entertained by a load of kids on an organised raft paddling day. What was good about stopping here for lunch was that normally when you run through here on a Thursday, you actually don’t see much of whats around, or look at the facilities. Its worth a visit with the family.

My endearing memories of these club days out, is Christina and her abundant supply of food and tea just like a true English picnic.

The Statistics. It took us 4 hours and 1 minute to do the whole event. It was 27 kn (23 miles) and we ran at an average speed of 10.9km per hour. There were 12 sections of between1 ½ to 2 ½ miles each. And yes we did stop at each. And yes you can miss a section out and have a ride if you want (a couple did)

The Finish. We were all looking forward to the pub at the end, only to find that the Crown was in ruins and all boarded up. Kirri was so shocked she lay flat out on the tarmac.

Facts I didn’t Know;

1. Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership have done masses to renovate the path http://www.blackwater-valley.org.uk/

2. Victorian brickworks sited here

3. 5 Iron Age settlements

4. Canal bridge looks on to the largest purpose built bat roost in the country on island in Gold Valley Lakes

5. Hawley Meadows is the only place in surrey where Great Burnet grows

6. Blackwater park was once a gas works and railway sidings

7. The junction of the wish stream at A30 / A392 is the historic junction of three counties: Surrey, Hampshire and Berks (by the Meadows Shopping Centre )

8. Sneezewort grows in shepherd meadows (SSSI) Site of special scientific Interest)

9. Tri-lakes fishing has national recognition for its large carp. They have individual names for each;“Pretty one” “Dustbin” etc

10. New Mill has a fish pass next to its sluce gates

11. Thatchers ford is the old roman crossing to silchester. (often run over this on a Thursday)