The Basingstoke Canal is a picturesque waterway that stretches approximately 32 miles (52 km) from West Byfleet, Surrey to Greywell, Hampshire, offering a blend of tranquil nature and rich history. This canal, built in the late 18th century, was originally designed to connect Basingstoke with the River Thames, allowing the transport of agricultural goods, timber, and coal to London. Its construction began in 1788 and was completed in 1794, though the project was fraught with financial and engineering difficulties.
At its eastern terminus, the Basingstoke Canal connects with the Wey Navigation at the River Wey, which in turn links to the River Thames, providing a navigable route toward London. Although it was intended to boost commerce, the canal struggled financially and fell into decline during the 19th century as railways took over much of the goods transportation. By the early 20th century, the canal was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, after concerted efforts by volunteers and local authorities, the canal was restored during the 1970s and 1980s and officially reopened in 1991.
The canal features a total of 29 locks, which are primarily clustered along the Surrey section of the route. The locks are necessary to navigate the changes in elevation as the canal climbs through the countryside. Most notable are the Deepcut Locks, a flight of 14 locks near Brookwood in Surrey, which is considered one of the most scenic and challenging sections for boaters.
One of the canal’s most interesting historical features is the Greywell Tunnel, which, at 1,230 yards (1,125 meters) long, was once a key part of the waterway. Today, however, the tunnel is no longer navigable due to a partial collapse in 1932 and is now a protected bat habitat. As a result, the canal ends at Greywell, and boats can only travel the first 32 miles from West Byfleet to the tunnel.
The Basingstoke Canal is renowned for its natural beauty. Lined with trees and teeming with wildlife, it passes through serene countryside, woodlands, and villages. The canal also features several cast iron bridges and historic buildings along its length, offering a glimpse into the past. The waterway has become popular for leisure activities such as boating, walking, fishing, and birdwatching, and its peaceful towpaths are frequented by cyclists and nature lovers.
Despite its industrial origins, the Basingstoke Canal is now a haven for wildlife, with parts of the waterway designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You can spot kingfishers, dragonflies, and waterfowl along the route, adding to the canal’s charm. Its unique combination of history, engineering, and natural beauty makes it a treasured feature of southern England’s canal network.
Canal Specification
| Max Boat Length | 68ft |
| Max Boat Width | 13ft |
| Number of Locks | 29 |
| Length | 32 miles |
Youtube Videos
- Minimal List – 008 UNDER FIRE ON THE BASINGSTOKE CANAL
- Minimal List – 009 LOCKS OF LUCK ON THE BASINGSTOKE CANAL
- Lorna Jane Adventures – The Basingstoke Canal
River/Canal Route Planning
If you are looking for a canal/river route planner, we recommend Canal Plan, we use it to plan our routes, and then once we have a plan our maps are useful to find what else there is on the way