Odiham · Hampshire

Walks around Odiham

Odiham is brilliant walking country. The Basingstoke Canal winds right past the village, and within a few miles you've got a ruined royal castle, a collapsed canal tunnel full of bats, ancient oaks on Odiham Common and the wet meadows of Greywell Moors. These are the routes we'd point friends to, from a gentle hour around the old village to a proper half-day out. Each one has a map, directions in our own words and a GPX file to download.

Our favourite Odiham walks

Most start in the village or at Colt Hill, so you can set off on foot from the High Street and leave the car where it is. All of them are dog friendly, with a pub or café along the way.

All the walks on one map

Odiham sits in the middle, with the canal running across the top. The numbers match the walks above.

Overview map of eight walking routes around Odiham, North Warnborough, Greywell and Dogmersfield
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Routes drawn by Visit Odiham.

Which walk should I choose?

  • Short on time or legs? The village heritage trail takes under an hour, and the Odiham Common loop is just over a mile and a half.
  • After something flat and easy? Follow the canal towpath to King John's Castle and back. No stiles, no hills.
  • Want the best of everything? The Odiham, North Warnborough and castle loop takes in the village, the castle, the ford and a long stretch of canal.
  • Making a day of it? Odiham Trail and Ale links the canal, Greywell and North Warnborough with seven local pubs. Easy to dip in and out of.
  • Up for a longer day? Try Greywell Moors, with the Fox & Goose about halfway round, or Dogmersfield Park, which finishes at Colt Hill. The Waterwitch there is changing hands in November 2026 (the current team's last day is 1 November) and plans to reopen under new owners this November, so check it's open before you rely on it.

Want to find out more? The Odiham Society publishes local walks and trails, the Basingstoke Canal Authority has towpath news and closures, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Hart District Council look after Greywell Moors and Odiham Common. For pubs, cafés and things to do, see our Odiham guide.

Before you set off

We've drawn these routes from OpenStreetMap and checked them against Hampshire County Council's public rights of way map, but the countryside changes. Paths get diverted, bridges close for repairs and fields fill up with crops or cattle. Please treat our directions as a friendly guide, not a guarantee, and follow the signs and waymarks you find on the ground.

  • Take a map or app. OS Explorer 144 covers the area, or load our GPX file into your favourite walking app.
  • Expect mud. The Common, the moors and the field paths get very wet between autumn and spring. Wellies or proper boots make a big difference.
  • Cattle and livestock. Close gates behind you, keep dogs on a short lead near animals, and let go of the lead if cattle chase you, so you can both get to safety.
  • Roads. Some routes cross or follow busy roads, including the A287. Take care, keep dogs on leads and walk facing oncoming traffic where there's no pavement.
  • By the water. The canal is deep in places, and the towpath edge can be crumbly. Watch little ones and keep an eye on dogs that love a swim.
  • Leave it as you found it. Bag and bin your dog's poo, take your litter home, and follow the Countryside Code.

You walk these routes at your own risk. If you spot something that has changed, we'd love to hear about it through the enquiry form.