The Wey is steeped in history and as well as the river itself there’s the Wey Navigation, sections that was created to allow boats carrying passengers and initially cargo access, around which the town grew.

Guildford to Godalming (5 miles)

Five miles south of Guildford on the Wey is Godalming. Just outside Guildford the path opens out into a lovely rural area with open grass lands and the familiar sight of narrowboats moored along the edge. The path continues on past St. Catherine’s Lock and under the railway. When you read Broadford there’s an opportunity to leave the path and head up to the tower on Chinthurst Hill which offers great views on a clear day. Retracing your steps back to the towpath you continue on past Farncombe Boat House and Catteshall Lock until you reach Godalming. You can then either walk back after a nice cuppa or get the train back.

In the summer, normally between Easter and the end of September, horse-drawn narrow boat trips are available from Godalming. See http://www.horseboat.org.uk/ for more details.

Guildford to Pyrford (9 miles) and the Thames (15 miles)

The walk from Guildford to Pyrford is 9 miles and passes through picturesque countryside especially the Lockkeeper’s Cottages at Stoke Lock and Triggs Lock. There are a couple of bridges which you can’t pass under and therefore require crossing several lanes of traffic but the rewards are worth it. At Newark Bridge and Lock are some very old buildings and just beyond are the remains of Newark Priory which is inaccessible to the public. At Pyrford Lock is your reward. The Anchor is a very popular riverside pub serving food and drink from 11.30am until late evening with a very extensive menu suitable for those who want a light meal or something more substantial.

Pyrford Lock is close to West Byfleet should you decide to terminate your walk here.

If you decide to continue your walk to the Thames at Weybridge, it’s another six miles and unfortunately a portion of this is alongside the M25 which ruins the once peaceful setting but once you’re past this stretch it’s back to the quiet of the canal as you get towards the outskirts of Weybridge and it becomes more built up.

Getting back from the Thames Lock, should you chose to go that far means either retracing your steps and getting a bus (Mon – Sat only) from the town bridge to West Byfleet or head towards the town centre to get a train from Weybridge (it’s some distance from the town).

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’ve got the proper attire for the weather and have detailed information about the walks which is available online or in local guide books.

Chris Kent

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The successful and award-winning visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf is the centrepiece of one of the National Trust’s most unusual properties, the River Wey Navigations. The centre provides families with the opportunity to learn about the journey of Surrey’s famous waterways and the people that lived and worked on it, whilst having a fun family day out in the process. The centre brings to life stories of the historical waterway through interactive displays, a smithy, and a stable. You can have fun at one of their many events, relax on a boat trip, climb aboard a restored barge, learn how to tie a knot, picnic and enjoy a scenic walk or even let the children explore or build dens on out island and raid the dressing up box.

The centre has a series of interactive exhibits and displays which allow you to discover the fascinating story of Surrey’s secret waterway, one of the first British rivers to be made navigable. Here you can see where the huge Wey barges were built and climb aboard two of the only three remaining Wey barges in the world. The ‘Reliance’ is permanently damaged and kept in a graving (dry) dock whereas the ‘Perseverance IV’ is still floating but in desperate need of repair, being the subject of a 2010 National Trust restoration appeal.

Although no longer used as a goods transhipment point, the wharf is the starting point for boat trip hire and horse-drawn boat trips. Or, with 20 miles of towpaths, there is lots of walking to be done for anyone who is intrigued by the history and complex landscapes surrounding the Wey Navigations. In some urban parts and built up areas you can glide through pasture and woodland, glinting past rural scenes, echoing its industrial past. There is even a do-it-yourself walk activity available for visitors that gives everyone something to do and children’s trails and special events run throughout the season.

Whether it is sunny or grey, a boat trip from Dapdune Wharf into Guildford and back is a great way to spend some time. There is also a fantastic opportunity to take part in a meet and greet of volunteer skippers whilst enjoying the scenery and a chance to go pond-dipping in the creek. A visit also offers a chance for you and the family to enjoy and explore the tranquil surrounding area.

Ade Lawal

Visiting Centre open all year round 11am-5pm
River trips available, weather permitting.
Boat Trip: Dapdune Belle/Seewey 40 minutes

Image sourced from: http://tinyurl.com/p7s6499

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