River Sources – Skedaddles https://skedaddles.uk Where everyday becomes adventure Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:07:36 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://skedaddles.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cropped-Skedaddles-Icon-2026-32x32.gif River Sources – Skedaddles https://skedaddles.uk 32 32 Discover the Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill, Aldershot https://skedaddles.uk/rowhill-nature-reserve-aldershot/ https://skedaddles.uk/rowhill-nature-reserve-aldershot/#respond Mon, 27 May 2024 12:29:42 +0000 http://toddledoddle.com/?p=44845
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire
Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire

Rowhill Nature Reserve hides the source of the River Blackwater amongst charismatically named areas like Stickleback Pond, Rhododendron Avenue, Kingfisher Carr, The Brickworks and Chestnut Glade. Can you follow the river to find where it springs from?

Rowhill Nature Reserve

There are stumps to balance on, trees to climb, hills to explore, bridges to build and places to paddle. 

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire

The Source of the Blackwater

The source of the Blackwater River is an area of bog. It is next to the pond and marked with an information board.  

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire

There isn’t much to see but the bog trickles into a stream that flows into… 

Stickleback Pond

…Stickleback Pond, which has a small dam and waterfall. 

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire

The River Blackwater

The River Blackwater quickly becomes stream-sized 

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire

and has little waterfalls and spots to paddle in.

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire

Den Building

The paths wind through deciduous woodland with a spot for den building…

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire

Rhododendron Avenue

…and along Rhododendron Avenue before coming to a tranquil meadow and field surrounded by trees.

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire

The Paths 

I found the paths easy to use and push an all terrain buggy along. There are paths that are narrow in places but they were all just ok for my narrow double buggy.

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire

There are two paths that both start from the car park on Cranmore Lane:

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire

1. The Blackwater Valley Path

The Blackwater Valley Path starts at the end of the car park near the white house and meanders through the reserve staying close to the River Blackwater.

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path Section 1 in Hampshire

This is Section 1 of the Blackwater Valley Path and is not a circular path and follows the river out of the reserve at Parkland Grove.

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire

2. The Nature Trail

This is about 1.5 miles long and is marked by a series of posts, starting at the field centre (the wooden building next to the car park).

This is a circular path and begins and ends at the car park on Cranmore Lane.

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire

This trail leads up over steps and a steep hill but these can be avoided if you follow the Blackwater Valley Path to the source of the River Blackwater, where the two paths meet up.

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire

A copy of the nature trail can be found on the Rowhill Nature Reserve website, which marks the steps and an easy access, special needs path that can be accessed from Parkland Grove (GU9 9HA).

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Blackwater Valley Path in Hampshire

50 Things to Do

You could also tackle the 50 Things to Do at Rowhill Copse sheet the reserve have put together.  

How many can you complete?

Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot, Hampshire

Read More

Visit the Rowhill Nature Reserve website

Further Information

Nearest Town: Aldershot
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU11 3BD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a small car park on Cranmore Lane (GU11 3BD). This can be busy.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Kingfishers, birds, badgers, lizards, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2024

Visitor Information

Ratings

Our visit to Rowhill Nature Reserve in Aldershot is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
5.0
Sending
User Rating 4 (1 vote)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

Detailed Ratings

You May Also Like

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

]]> https://skedaddles.uk/rowhill-nature-reserve-aldershot/feed/ 0 Paddle and Play in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton https://skedaddles.uk/flood-meadows/ https://skedaddles.uk/flood-meadows/#respond Wed, 15 Jun 2022 19:00:10 +0000 http://toddledoddle.com/?p=24639
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Brick Kiln Lane, The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Brick Kiln Lane, The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Brick Kiln Lane, The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire
Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

Flood Meadows hides a beautiful surprise – nestled away behind the trees is the young River Wey. Here the river is so near to its northern source that the water is shallow and slow-flowing and offers a shady place to splash, paddle and pond dip. 

There are no facilities at Flood Meadows so bring everything you need. 

Flood Meadows

Flood Meadows has 15 acres of fields, flowers and mature trees.

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

A peaceful footpath winds along the northern branch of the River Wey

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

under trees

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

and over a pond.

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

This was originally water-cress beds and is now home to frogs, newts, snails and lots of water birds.

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

The River Wey

The River Wey has two branches – the northern and the southern branch.

The source of the northern branch is just a short walk from Flood Meadows.

The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

The Wey Walk

This is a signposted 1.75 mile walk that starts at King’s Pond and follows the River Wey through Alton to its source. 

A copy of the Wey Walk leaflet can be found on the Walk Alton website. 

The Wey Walk, Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

To the Source!

You can walk to the source of the northern branch of the River Wey by following the Wey Walk signs through Flood Meadows and on to its main gateway.

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

When you join Basingstoke Road, turn right and walk down the pavement to the corner.

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

The Source of the north branch of the River Wey is in the field opposite you. 

Brick Kiln Lane, The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

If you follow the path to the end of the field, there are some drainage pipes, which were dry when we visited.

The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

The field was too overgrown to see where the River Wey springs out of the ground but you might have a better view in the winter when everything has died back. 

Brick Kiln Lane, The Source of the Northern Branch of the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

Bring Everything You Need

There are fields where you can have a picnic but there are no other facilities so be sure to bring everything else you need. 

Paddling in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton, Hampshire

Read More

Visit the Flood Meadows website

Further Information

Nearest Town: Alton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 1HR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic table.

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a small car park with a few parking spaces at the end of Tanhouse Lane (GU34 1HR). You can also try parking on Basingstoke Road (GU34 1QA) by the main entrance to Flood Meadows or in one of the main Alton car parks. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Insects, birds, lots of water birds, fish and other pond life.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: June 2022

Visitor Information

Ratings

Our visit to Flood Meadows in Alton is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
4.5
Sending
User Rating 0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

Detailed Ratings

You May Also Like

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

]]> https://skedaddles.uk/flood-meadows/feed/ 0 Enter a ‘Living Work of Art’ at Stourhead, Wincanton https://skedaddles.uk/stourhead-national-trust-warminster/ https://skedaddles.uk/stourhead-national-trust-warminster/#respond Sat, 05 May 2018 10:34:14 +0000 https://toddledoddle.com/thursley-common-and-moat-pond-thursley-copy-2/
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire

When you walk around the lake at Stourhead it doesn’t take long to realise why it was once described as, ‘…a living work of art.’ From almost any location you could be gazing at a well-composed painting. 

Stourhead

In Stourhead’s gardens, you find your eyes skipping between the sweeping lawns, contrasting trees, beautiful blue-green lake and unusual stone features. It’s a spectacular combination. 

Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire

The gardens are punctuated by stone features, including bridges, temples, a rock arch, a dam and a grotto.

Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire

You may recognise The Temple of Apollo as the location for Mr Darcy’s first proposal to Lizzie in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice.

Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire

The Grotto

My children loved exploring the Grotto. 

Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire

We discovered two statues, one of which is said to be the source of the River Stour. 

Stourhead (National Trust), Warminster, Wiltshire

Read More

Visit the Stourhead website

Further Information

Nearest Town: Wincanton, near Yeovil
County: Wiltshire
Nearest Postcode: BA12 6QD

Adult Cost Range: £15 to £19.99
Child Cost Range: £5 to £9.99
Free if: Under 5 years or for National Trust members.

Opens: Daily but check before you go to make sure everything you want to visit is open.

Where to Eat: The restaurant, the Spread Eagle pub or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, shop, cafe, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly but some of the paths are steep.

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 per day but free for National Trust members. 

Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, birds and insects.

Information Written: May 2018

Visitor Information

Ratings

Our visit to Stourhead in Wincanton, near Yeovil, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
4.3
Sending
User Rating 4 (1 vote)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

Detailed Ratings

You May Also Like

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

]]> https://skedaddles.uk/stourhead-national-trust-warminster/feed/ 0 Find the Source of the Mole in Baldhorns Copse, Crawley https://skedaddles.uk/baldhorns-copse-to-the-source-of-the-mole/ https://skedaddles.uk/baldhorns-copse-to-the-source-of-the-mole/#respond Thu, 01 Jun 2017 22:16:41 +0000 http://toddledoddle.com/?p=45158
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole
Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

We had no idea what to expect as we cautiously peered through a hole in the trees and down a dark footpath.

We had accepted a challenge to find the source of the River Mole but we hadn’t been able to find anything about it on-line, except that the river rose in Baldhorns Copse in the village of Rusper.

The Paths through the Baldhorns Copse

The footpath was a little muddy at first but quickly dried out and widened into more of a tree-lined avenue.

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

When we reached a fork in the footpath we went through the trees…

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

…and came straight out into a meadow full of butterflies 

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

and an intricate flower we later identified as an orchid!

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

Onwards to the Source!

We explored the meadow and then followed a narrow, bramble-lined path back into the woods.

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

The River Mole

And it was there that we first saw the Mole, although it was more of a stagnant puddle than a flowing river.

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

A Troll’s Swamp?

“This is definitely a troll’s swamp,” my eldest said as we walked through the trees. I was inclined to agree but wasn’t sure why we both sensed that – maybe the boggy mud or the putrid stench?

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

The Source of the River Mole

We followed the fledgling river upstream. It narrowed quickly, became a tiny trickle and then disappeared into a hole – the source of the River Mole! The children were thrilled.

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

A Second Source…

Next to the source of the Mole was the source of the stench – a stinkhorn, something we’d never seen before. Two sources for the price of one – a lucky but smelly find!

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

Baldhorns Copse

Baldhorns Copse itself is small but fun. We made a den, went bug hunting and played hide and seek.

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

How to Find Baldhorns Copse

The footpath starts on Horsham Road near to the junction with Steeres Hill (RH12 4PT). 

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

From the top of Steeres Hill, turn left onto Horsham Road and the footpath is a very short walk away, on the opposite side of the road.

Further down the footpath you come to a fork. Straight on leads to the meadow but via a narrow path. Turning right leads to the source of the Mole and is also an easier way into the meadow.

Baldhorns Copse, Rusper - The Source of the River Mole

Read More

No website found

Further Information

Nearest Town: Rusper, near Crawley
County: West Sussex
Nearest Postcode: RH12 4PT

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: I used an all-terrain buggy without any problems.

Parking: There is no car park but we parked on a nearby residential road called Steeres Hill (RH12 4PT). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Insects and birds.

Information Written: May 2017

Visitor Information

Ratings

Our visit to the source of the River Mole in Baldhorns Copse in Rusper, near Crawley, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

  • Fun
  • Condition
  • Value
  • Would We Go Back
3.0
Sending
User Rating 0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

Detailed Ratings

You May Also Like

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

]]> https://skedaddles.uk/baldhorns-copse-to-the-source-of-the-mole/feed/ 0