Accessible Boating

17/07/2026

Accessible Boating celebrated its 40th anniversary on Wednesday with a great turnout from its volunteers plus guests including Councillor Stuart Bailey, Leader of Hart District Council and representatives from the Waterways Chaplaincy, the Basingstoke Canal Society and the Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club. ABA's Chairman. John Ranson, gave an excellent speech followed by appreciative words from Mildred Stocks who established the charity. Special thanks go to Karen and Arthur of Galleon Marine who let us use their premises for the event and who have provided great support to ABA. Here's a small sample of the photos taken by Mark H, one of our volunteers.

15/07/2026

Lovely tribute from Fleet Lions Club

Our July Heroes



On the 40th Anniversary of ABA ( Accessible Boating Association) Fleet Lions recognised their amazing achievement. From the "Mildred Stocks" pontoon style boat, built by apprentices at the RAE, to the customised broad hull "Dawn" which enables up to 10 with mobility challenges to enjoy the beauty of the Basingstoke Canal. ABA also operate narrow boat "Madam Butterfly " which enables families to enjoy short holidays. During the season (April to October) dedicated volunteers take out over 50 people for a well deserved break each week.

Well done ABA

21/06/2026

As the Met Office has issued Amber Extreme Heat warnings from Monday to Thursday we are suspending our dayboat Dawn's operations until Friday 26th June to avoid risk to our passengers and volunteers.
Stay Cool and Hydrated Everybody!

13/06/2026

On Sunday 14th June we will be operating boat trips on our 10 seater day boat Dawn from the garden at Old Thatch which will be open for the National Gardens Scheme. There will be a single departure from Barley Mow Wharf at 2 pm to the garden. Thereafter the round trips depart the garden every 45 minutes approx starting at 2.45. See us by the waterside to collect a boarding pass. We look forward to seeing you!

14/05/2026

Only two spaces left on board Dawn our first Public trip of 2026.
Saturday 16th May, trip departure time 2pm till 5pm. Leaving from C**t Wharf Odiham. RG29 1AL
£10 per head. One carer per qualifying person free. Children under 12, £1.
Full Booking details on line www.accessibleboating.org.uk or call 07934 926683.

Accessible Boating Association (ABA) is a charity managed by volunteers.  We maintain two specially equipped boats,  allowing anybody with mobility or socialising difficulties to enjoy day trips or longer cruises with carers, family and friends on the Basingstoke Canal.

07/03/2026

Over the winter months our maintenance team has been busy carrying out essential work on Dawn and Madam Butterfly to prepare the boats for the new season. Here are some of them enjoying a well earned brew! Photography courtesy of Mark H.

17/02/2026

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤!
Our fully accessible day boat Dawn will be operating from 1st May to 31st October.
A day trip of 4 hours from Odiham allows a peaceful cruise to a picnic lunch and a leisurely return through picturesque country stretches of the Basingstoke Canal.
Late afternoon/evening trips during daylight are also available on request.
Hire fees are £100 for the first 4 hours plus £25 for any additional hours or part thereof. Dawn can carry ten passengers, including up to 4 wheelchairs, depending on the weight and size of the wheelchairs.
Bookings can be made online, visit www.accessibleboating.org.uk
If you need any assistance, please call our bookings manager on 07934 926683

Accessible Boating Association (ABA) is a charity managed by volunteers.  We maintain two specially equipped boats,  allowing anybody with mobility or socialising difficulties to enjoy day trips or longer cruises with carers, family and friends on the Basingstoke Canal.

17/02/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤
Our public trip programme for the 2026 season is as follows -- All at 2.00pm unless stated.
Saturday 16/5
Sat 20/6
Sat 04/7
Sat 18/7
Sat 08/8
Sat 15/8
Sat 29/8
Sat 12/9
Sun 27/9
Sat 03/10 (11am)
Bookings can be made at www.accessibleboating.org.uk or email [email protected] or by phoning 07934 926683
Parties of up to 4 at £10 per head. One carer per qualifying person free, Children under 12 £1

Accessible Boating Association (ABA) is a charity managed by volunteers.  We maintain two specially equipped boats,  allowing anybody with mobility or socialising difficulties to enjoy day trips or longer cruises with carers, family and friends on the Basingstoke Canal.

10/12/2025

We still have some spaces available at 5pm on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th for Santa on the canal trips from Odiham. Book online www.accessibleboating.org.uk