Section 1 of 2, Blackwater Valley Path
Swallowfield to Hawley
11.5 miles (18.5 km). About 4 hours, moderate.
Start: SU 727 649. Finish: SU 856 594. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Up and down
Almost flat: about 49 m of climbing and 34 m of descent; highest point 63 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Swallowfield.
- Bus stops
- The Mill House (adj), 790 m from the start. Directions SU 720 653The Mill House (Opp), 790 m from the start. Directions SU 720 653
- Car parks
- Car park, 90 m from the start. Directions SU 727 650Car park, 770 m from the start. Directions SU 719 652
Getting back
The section finishes at Hawley. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Station
- Blackwater, 530 m from the finish. Directions SU 853 598
- Bus stops
- Oakfield Road, 360 m from the finish. Directions SU 855 591Hawley Church, 380 m from the finish. Directions SU 853 593
Planning the Blackwater Valley Path
- Planning the whole trail: bvct.org.uk.
What to expect
Underfoot: gravel and tracks 40%, paved or flagged 36%, earth, rock and mud 23%.
About 33% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 5 stiles, 15 kissing gates, 10 gates.
No steep climbs: no kilometre gains more than about 10 m.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
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Something wrong or missing?
Tell us what to change about this section: a wrong distance, a moved start, a path that's closed.