Where does the river Wey start and finish? It was pretty cool actually, as before getting there, I could hear the water gushing. As I said, its quite slippy and steep, so do this at your own risk. Customize Map data OpenStreetMap contributors Little Venice to Camden walk 2.5 miles. Over the cute bridge, and back to the river on the other side, things became a bit more open again. The Towpath Trail is easily accessible. The walk near the roads are not that safe. Caution: Watch for bikers as they tend to disregard hikers / walkers. Visit Dapdune Wharf and learn about the history of the people to lived and worked on the River Wey. Find information for paddlers and licences here. Do NOT turn right here, instead keep ahead for a few paces and then turn left onto the signed bridleway into the woodland. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Alternatively you can bike the route in 45 minutes to an hour. Took about 1hr 20 mins at a good pace but stopped for a few photos. There are many different trails along the River Wey, with most trails taking in different lengths of the towpath, but you can also explore the local countryside to enjoy far-reaching views of the North Downs. Flying about in their flock. 7. The Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the Canal Age. There is level access to the tearoom from the back door. Copyright @ 2019 She walks in England - All Right Reserved. This route takes you from Godalming at the train station to Guildford train station. It is the first river in Britain to be made navigable. Less money meant that the navigations couldnt be maintained. Like for cars on roads. Keep bearing left, following the footpath by the A248 until you reach the common after about 200 yards. Easy lovely walk. Each length of the River Wey Navigation is different, passing historic locks, once-urban areas and rural plains. 6) From here, take the B2128 signposted to Bramley. Back in the day, they were to help barge boats gets around the corners of the River. Very strange animals. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Expect mud on the path if it has been raining. Love this place:). For your safety use the grass verges where possible and swap between the two road edges to ensure you are visible to the traffic. You will see the humour in it when you go . There are sweeping reeds and overhanging trees to shelter the path. You may also want to search for a place to park first before setting off, as it takes you to the station car park where you will need to pay to park. One of the oldest river navigations in the country, River Wey Navigation was once a bustling waterway for merchants between Guildford and London. Species common to most lengths include cuckoo flower, meadowsweet, hemp-agrimony, and purple loosestrife. Narrow attractive streets, lined with many ancient and historic buildings, lie alongside the River Wey. It was also significantly louder along here. At this point, I did get a sense that the Wey Navigation walk was nearly over. History Wanborough('bump-barrow') may be named after a Bronze Age burial site on the Hog's Back. Although this is only a segment of the walk, at 19km it is still long and in my opinion takes in the best sections of the river. The original lock controlled the water used to flood the meadows. But muddy today (February). You will walk under some trees with their hanging branches, with a view to some riverside houses on the other side. Why not join the River Wey volunteers and get out in the fresh air? Hello, my name is Zoe and welcome to my blog about walks and hikes in England. The beginning of the walk from Guildford is a bit confusing and stop/start. At this time, there was also a barge parked up, which I assume was their own personal toy. We also have reciprocal rights to fish the Guilford Angling . I had written the walk off as over, and now I just needed to get to the station. Addlestone train station, Byfleet and New Haw, Guildford, Farncombe and Godalming all close to the Navigations To reach Dapdune Wharf from Guildford train station, exit by platform 2, cross the car park, cross Walnut Tree Close and bridge. Access is available to Walkingworld subscribers or you can buy the walk individually for 1.95 once you are logged in. To the left of you is a big field. Enjoy walking along the River Wey with pretty tree lines river paths. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 9 hours. Here there are three trails. If youre lucky you can ask someone to drop you off at the start and pick you up four and a half hours later at the end (this is what I did, thanks to my dad who met me for lunch in Guildford as a compromise)! Editors' Code of Practice. Go through the staggered barrier ahead and continue on the obvious path with the woodland sloping up to your right and down to your left. Being in Surrey, there are plenty of walks to do nearby in the Surrey Hills. The walk from Guildford to Godalming along the River Wey is nice and simple. Particularly on the walk out of Guildford. The trips take about 40 minutes, and leave at 11am, 11.50am, 12.40pm, 2pm, 2.50pm and 3.40pm. Book a boat trip here until 6 November. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will also walk past this roller thing. We also offer scoop and tub ice cream and children's lunch boxes and high chairs are available. Santa Ana Riverwalk Trail. Departures leave from Dapdune Wharf. Copyright 1999, 2023 Walkingworld Ltd. All rights reserved | Credits. This is a great trail for kids and dogs are allowed if on a lease. This medieval double bridge is the best of a series on the River Wey between Farnham and Guildford, probably built by the monks of Waverley Abbey in the 1200s. Thats why you may hear it referred to as the Wey Navigation, or sometimes the Wey and Godalming navigation. When on the bridge, there is a gap to the right, and you can see a hidden home with a lawn leading to their own bit of river. It is a truly beautiful stretch of water to paddle, cycle or walk along. The towpath along the River Wey is edged with a variety of plants which create habitats for a wealth of wildlife. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I was kicking myself that I ended up paying double the train fair that I needed to. Our information for canoeists gives you launch points and guidance for safe canoeing. Nice and quiet. Superbly located for hiking in the South Downs National Park and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, walks around Godalming are some of the finest in South East England. The route took me just under 4 hours to complete, but I walked relatively fast and with only a few breaks. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Wonersh was a centre of weaving for the medieval, famously dark-blue wool cloth that was exported from Surrey all over the world. I found that, for this section of the walk, the car noise went on for a little longer than I would have liked. The Wey Navigation and the Godalming Navigations were donated to the National Trust in 1964 and 1968, respectively. It runs 15 miles from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge. To do this, go over the next bridge and keep going until you reach the main road. The rest of the Way navigation remained a working waterway until the late 1960s. There are two pathways, one dirt trail for horses and the other (asphalt) for bikers and hikers / runners. Please drop them off at Dapdune Wharf, Thursdays to Mondays 9am-5pm or to the Navigations Office on Tuesdays. It was a lovely sunny day with some wonderful views, wasnt muddy in April. If you want to stay in the Guildford area, you can check out my post about the best walks from Guidlford. Ancient Monument, Cafe, Church, Food Shop, Industrial Archaeology, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Woodland, Self Contained self catering accommodation. 3) Turn left, cross over the bridge and follow the road around the corner past some cottages. Several species, including Daubentons and pipistrelle, roost in canal structures along the River Wey and forage for insects over the water, the towpath and along the adjoining corridor. As the pavement ends, continue along the road edge (taking care) and follow this over Eashing Bridges. Explore some of the most remote parts of Surrey's Wey Navigation waterway, taking in historic buildings and locks, on a walk that can be done either one way or there and back. The Godalming Navigation, which links it to Godalming, has a further four locks and was completed in 1764. Lovely walk mostly on the flat with a couple of short elevated sections. Are you sure you wish to delete this comment? Walsham length is a man-made section of the navigation running from Pyrford Lock to Send. 5 for up to 4 hours, all day 8. Commercial barges ceased in 1983. Located the "River Walk Park" in Eastvale, California, approximately 24 miles from home, This easy walking trail end about 0.8 miles from the starting point; and then you have the pleasure of reversing your course back to the starting point for a total of 1.6 miles for the . Walking Miles: 5 (km: 8) Trail Papercourt Lock to Triggs Lock walk Walking Miles: 6 (km: 9.6) New Haw Lock to Pyrford Lock walk Walking Miles: 7 (km: 11.2) Get in touch Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR Explore more of Waverley: Browse the best Hikes in other regions. Award-winning visitor centre telling the story of the navigations and the people who lived and worked on them. Continue along and then through a car park and then cross the river at the next bridge. I would suggest giving yourself at least 4 and a half hours, to amble this beautiful river path, to enjoy the countryside, and to stop for some water and snack breaks. Places ton. Great park to walk - ride your bike- picnic. After St Catherines Lock, the route stays open air, with fields to the side. It became known as the Wey Navigation. The River Wey Navigation opened in 1653. If travel guides like this interest you, head over tomy blog pageto find out more! The River Wey & Godalming Navigations are owned by the National Trust however it is also possible to follow the natural river to some wonderful locations to see the wildlife and great locations such as Newark Priory and Woking Palace. Some of the finest hikes around Godalming take to the hills and seek out panoramic viewpoints. Also there is a mini workout station that has some machines. Easy access from many areas of the trail., Easy to walk with nice views of the rover and parks, bathroom along the way. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Like I was heading towards a waterfall up ahead. Time Traveller takes you upstream into Guildford town centre, looking at the history of the Wey Navigation and its impact on the development of Guildford. The scenery is beautiful. If you are new to Walk Wild you can check out theAbout Mepage to learn about who I am and what made me want to be a travel writer. There are two boat trips to choose from: the Time Traveller and the River Watch. The Godalming Navigation, which links it to Godalming, has a further four locks and was completed in 1764. Go past the law courts and take next turning left into Mary Rd. It runs 15 miles from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge. Riverside. Further along, the tarmac path runs alongside the River Wey on your left and then later leads you over a wooden footbridge with a beautiful weir across to the left. Great pub called the Stag on the River just a short stroll away at Eashing. Bring your family to the Dapdune Wharf on winter weekends until 19 March. How about a nice, flat six-miler? Then come spring, they would lower the water level to get the field ready for farming again. Please comment below, let me know what you think and follow me onTwitterandInstagramto find out more. Look out for the crumbling stone walls of the Newark Priory and the red-brick of John Donnes Elizabethan Summerhouse. Keep ahead as the bridleway lane narrows to a stone path heading downhill through a tunnel of trees and follow this all the way to the bottom. I really like this trail. The most common route is a 19km walk along the canal and towpath between Guildford and West Byfleet. You may see roe deer scurrying about in the fields on either side of the river, kestrels and parakeets above and a good variety of bats and owls at night. Due to the new round of Corona Virus regulations in California, forced to find a new hiking trail closer to home. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code. Not sure what class they belong in. It could be a good idea to stop in for a drink or some lunch if you are walking the route on a sunny weekend! So you could take the train to West Byfleet, walk the trail, then take the train home from Guildford. This used to be used for farming. You will also walk past this roller thing. What I mean by that is, you dont need a map to navigate your way and its not too long. 7. It would help keep the grass warm during the winter. Come and discover the joys of 20 miles of towpath with your four-legged friends. The banks and waterway support a rich variety of wildlife, so whether you're on a walk or in a boat, keep your eyes peeled for the natural world around you. Just past the barges you will reach Cattashall Lock. Two designated parking spaces can be found next to the Information hut. This walks takes you along the River Wey, as far as that bridge. Cyclists are also permitted to use the towpath but must give way to pedestrians. Very clean and well maintained. Keep going until you meet Broadford Bridge, which crosses over the river at Shalford. Find out how were using traditional methods to replace lock gates on the waterway whilst using sustainable oak and recycled fittings as part of our annual maintenance programme. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to There is a maximum of 12 people plus the skipper on Dapdune Belle, the bookable boat, 10 on Sir Richard Weston and eight on Seewey. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Discover the best National Trust places to take part in outdoor activities, from off-road cycle tracks to watersports and walking, all in beautiful surroundings. Across to the right you will have a good view of Eashing Mill, which produced paper from 1658 to the 1870s and today houses offices. River ThamesRiver Wey / Mouth. Can be muddy in places. You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk. Walking from the partial open lock towards the cute bridge, the water looked really interesting. Near Shalford the path comes to the junction of the Wey and Arun Canal where you can take the Wey South Path or climb Chinthurst Hill where there is a tower. Cross over and turn left along the lane (taking care of traffic) and soon you will be able to join the right-hand pavement. Fantastic easy walk. The Wey Navigations is a two pawprint rated property. Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A lovely walk along the river. The Godalming Navigation, opened in 1764, extended the navigable waterway a further 4 miles to Godalming. Continue directly ahead, with the rail line running on your right and you will come to the rear of Godalming Station on your right, where the walk began. Rejoin the pavement and follow this as it swings left to lead you under the railway bridge. 4) Follow the footpath along the A281. Thanks for reading my travel guide on how to hike the River Wey. Its more something to do if you are already there. It flies high and appears jerky as it dodges to catch insects in flight. Subscribe to recieve 2 free travel guides: Top 10 Tips For Adventure Travellers and Wild Camping Kit List, How to Hike the Gower Peninsula Coast Path: In-Depth Travel Guide, The Journey Begins | Pan American Highway | S1 E1, Hiking Around the UKs First Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Paddling along the River Wey Navigations is a great way to explore this historic waterway. For me, thats too long to walk straight along a river or canal. The Shed opens Fri-Sun 10-4.30 from 4th March, before returning to five days a week in line with Dapdune Wharf's summer opening hours from Saturday 25th March. Find out how you can volunteer and help our visitors enjoy the peaceful waterways just a few miles from London. Home to the Wey and Godalming Navigation, the first navigable river in the UK, taking a boat trip in Surrey is a great way to explore picturesque waterways and uncover new gems. Tea-room serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries and ice cream. Have to ask to cross over the bridge at the station - lovely walk. There are 12 locks on the stretch between Weybridge and Guildford. Watts Gallery Loop to West Warren and East Warren, Munstead, Thorncombe Street and Unsted Circular. Designed and developed with PenciDesign. This one is in London, and takes you along the Regents Canal. Well maintained, quite, restrooms clean. I really mean that, just not for this first bit. Nice walking trail. There is a bench here should you wish to pause and enjoy the bridge and river wildlife. Bats are by far the most numerous canal mammals. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Approximate post code GU7 1EU. Boat trips run six times a day from Thursday to Monday, when the Wharf is open (March-October) and tickets (35 for Trust member and non-members) are released every Thursday. Lived in Godalming for 25 years but never explored this walk. It meant business. Cross the footbridge over the canal at the back of the theatre and turn left along the canal path. Because of the direction the road, the noise is pretty loud until you pass by and under the next bridge. It is a remnant from the dark days of World War Two, built as part of the last defences against Nazi Germany invading London. I really enjoy going for a walk in this park along the trail. Due to the new round of Corona Virus regulations in California, forced to find a new hiking trail closer to home. About River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf Top features Dapdune Wharf Award-winning visitor centre telling the story of the navigations and the people who lived and worked on them. Owned by the National Trust, the River Wey Navigation connects to the Basingstoke Canal at West Byfleet, and the Godalming Navigation to the Wey and Arun Canal near Shalford, meaning, you can extend your cycle journey if you desire. Suitable for all skill levels. Countryside A sanctuary for wildlife, a historic waterway running through the heart of Surrey. Went early March after a dry spell and it was manageable in old trainers. Enjoy the free frisbee/disc Golf course, look the nature, there is a bunch of butterflies, squirrels, lizards. This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Dapdune Wharf on an Easter trail. We're sorry, but we're unable to take dogs on the boat trips. The section between Weybridge and Guildford came first. You will cross over and under numerous bridges, all the while following the gentle flow of the river. With gorgeous upland heaths, sprawling commons, vibrant arboretums and tranquil trails along the River Wey and its navigation channels, theres more than enough to keep you exploring. This route starts along the river, but then veers off to the east - rejoining the river just before Guildford. Some twisting fast roads with no pavements. It is mostly common land and woodlands on both sides of the road. With less trade, meant less money. However you decide to explore the region, theres always a country pub to unwind in after a day exploring the trails. This bit I found quite calming. The banks of the river will be lined with people. Turn right through the gates onto Platform 1. If you are coming by car, the station does have a pay and display car park. Enjoy this trek and opportunity to dive back into nature and feel that connection once more. Dogs on leads allowed at the Wharf, but not on boat trips. About 100 years later, 4 locks were build between Guildford and Godalming, becoming the Godalming navigation. Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 145 Guildford & Farnham. Nice to have varied scenery to walk through. Very enjoyable for bikers, runners, and walkers. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Photo 6x4 Looking from a bridge over the River Wey towards Shalford Road c2009 at the best online prices at eBay! Now, just past the bridge, you will pass some steps to the right, leading up to a WWII pillbox. Some muddy sections which proved to be relatively tricky and LOTS of nettles but beautiful views, peaceful and very worth it. To keep this an easy ready I will bullet point some of its history. Leave Godalming rail station via the main exit (on Platform 2), cross the road and turn left along the pavement. 7. Shalford was an important intersection in the river, bringing gunpowder and other milled products from the River Tillingbourne. The rest of it being from Guildford to Weybridge. In the 1800s, when railways started to appear, trade moved away from the rivers. Lots to see along the River Wey including the Phillips Memorial Park and Eashing bridges, The Fox Way (long distance walking route), Munstead Wood (home of Gertrude Jekyll 1843-1932). This walk covers the southern part of the River Wey from the busy centre of Guildford the path soon takes on a rural nature. There are a few of these around on the Wey Navigation river bends. Follow this road down to Wonersh Hollow and keep following the signs to Bramley, over the bridge. There is even a section with exercise equipment that I haven't tried yet but really want to. The Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the Canal Age. It follows unmade bridleways and paths for the most part, which can be very uneven underfoot and can also get very muddy at times so good boots are a must (or wellingtons with grips in the wet winter months).