Paddling and Wild Camping the length of the Basingstoke Canal

In this video I paddle the whole of the Basingstoke Canal in my trusty rigid kayak. I began at Lock 1 at the junction with the River Wey, and ended at the collapsed Greywell Tunnel in Odiham. I wild camped along the way. The Basingstoke Canal could be Britain’s quietest canal - I saw hardly any on-the-water traffic the whole route. This gives it a very special, solitary charm, and there is more wildlife to be seen than most other canals this near to London. Highlights included the Ash Aqueduct, and King John’s castle at Odiham, associated with the Magna Carta.

I hope you enjoy it, and if you think I should make more videos like this (or not!) then please let me know in the comments.

Thanks,

Stevie

#kayaking #wildcampinguk #kayakcamping

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Equipment Used In This Video:

Kayaking Equipment:

Camping Equipment:

Filming Equipment:

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[StevieWyatt]

Hope you enjoy my short film about The Basingstoke Canal, which really is one of my favourite waterways which I've done so far. Let me know in the comments any suggestions you may have about other waterways you think I should paddle. Cheers 🚣‍♂

[berwynbabb]

Dear Stevie, wonderful to see your family name on the tube. It’s a very prestigious name in my town, where after WW2 Rendal Wyatt set up the worlds first narrow boat holiday hire company. After the shop closed some days dad would wander down to the boat yard to chat with the Wyatts, and on one momentous occasion, met Tom Rolt, chap who went on to start the Inland Waterways Association. Now here are you doing Waterways videos. Brill.

[robjamesnash]

“Curry and beer, what more could you want?” indeed… great film, superb production values, keep it up!

[cossieconnoisseur]

I spent many happy days of hard labour working to restore the Basingstoke canal in the 70's. from bank clearances to dredging and helping out on the John Pinkerton trip boat. Also trips with the sales caravan to canal meets all over the country! Good to see narrowboats on the cut!

[speedmatters]

Brilliant! I also said 'a bit like me' before you did, how we all laughed here when you said it too. Yeah, I guess you had to be here... 😂

[daveharris]

Thanks for the video, Stevie. I paddled up a handful of locks in my youth. But this week I did the whole thing, Wey to the end of the BC at the entrance to the Greywell Tunnel and back. That was 70 miles, including those down and up the Wey to get to start. I loved it. I even stayed out last night on Stevie's Island. No capsize getting in afterwards. But I did come very close to one the morning before. And as soon as got back to the Wey, I noticed the big difference: plentiful amounts of water flowing! But for all it's drawbacks, I got to appreciate those good points of what the Basingstoke Canal has to offer. Thank you.

[HH-vplg]

I stumbled across you as I'm looking to get into kayaking. What a thoroughly enjoyable watch, thank you so much. I'm such a 'nice day for it' person too 😂

[redghost]

"Lovely day for it" hahaha so English! I wouldn't mine travelling down to runneymede for the history. Especially by kayak.

[MsTilda]

That was brilliant filming, like being there my selv, more Please☺️

[njptuningltd]

Lovely day for it! 🤣 its good to know im not the only tool bag who says these, quint essentially, English phrases

[adanko]

Thanks for your lovely video. We have just moved into the area and it's great to see what we have on our own doorstep. Keep up the good work 👍🏾

[El-Tel-Terry.]

Hello Stevie, just wanted to let you know that i discovered your channel today whilst researching Kayaks. I have to say I've watched a couple of videos so far and have thoroughly enjoyed them, I recently cycled the Basingstoke canal, obviously on the footpath ! So this was a must see as was the river Mole as its local to me. You have gained a new subscriber.

[CampLifeBushcraft]

Enjoyed that.. some familiar places on this one.
I camped in one of the pill boxes at the Barley Mow end. Fantastic stretch of water.

Fair play for covering so much in one trip.

Subbed.

Dan

[CathyMartinTBW]

Such a nice video. Thank you Steve. It's so much easier, when one sees London from the waterways, to understand Mornington Crescent tactical play. Stovold's amendment makes so much more sense now. I couldn't figure out why there's no straddling on Camden Lock, but now it makes so much more sense. Thanks.

[simonaubry]

Hi Stevie and greetings.
Really enjoying watching your videos on the Basingstoke Canal, well, I've only just discovered you!
I live in Brookwood/Knaphill, and often out on the tow path running the Basingstoke Canal or Wey Navigation, or both in the same day. Earlier this year, I ran from Odiham (The Water Witch) back home and the scenery is just spectacular! It looks more amazing from a water craft, I may consider going on the water
Next year. All the best. 💦😎👍🏼🚣

[richarddavis]

Well done, I really enjoyed watching this. I’ve liked and subscribed. 😁

[WildCamper]

Interesting seeing this as on my doorstep, 8 years ago I did a recce of that island (from the bank) and decided it was too small! Looking at you video I was wrong! Also 8 years ago the base was far busier and I suspect I would have been turfed off it by the army folk. Now the base is finished and closed it is a interesting proposition! Cheers Rob

[jamiehancox]

Great video. I cycled that towpath a few times winter 2021 whilst my son did some swimming training in Aldershot - you're right... totally empty and very peaceful.

[xitler]

Stevie, I really enjoy your videos, the pace of your videos are so apposite that makes me feel peaceful.
This is my first commet though I have watched almost all of your videos.
Hope you make more high quality videos.

[georgemarshall]

Brilliant video. I recently sold my Dagger Blackwater (the same boat as yours which previous branding) and to this day really miss it. Small enough to be manageable in tight spots and whilst lifting, yet large enough for overnight treks. The large cockpit was a real plus and tracks very well. I now have a slightly longer Dagger Stratos. Living in the southeast know much of the water you've featured. Keep up these videos, and maybe see you on the water.