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. The terrain was excellent and you dont have to worry about navigating; just follow the river! 3) Turn left, cross over the bridge and follow the road around the corner past some cottages. Stoke length is where the creation of the Wey Navigation started. 1) This walk starts from the centre of Guildford, behind the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Commercial barges ceased in 1983. The award-winning visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford tells the story of the navigations and the people who lived and worked on them. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Species common to most lengths include cuckoo flower, meadowsweet, hemp-agrimony, and purple loosestrife. Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places. An attractive and easy countryside walk in Send, where the River Wey Navigations has its workshops. At this time, not certain if I would be interested in returning to this park in the future. Shalford was an important intersection in the river, bringing gunpowder and other milled products from the River Tillingbourne. The pidgins were going a bit crazy here. 2) Staying on the Wey Navigation path, look out on your right for a disused pillbox, or gunnery point, for the Home Guard. This bit I found quite calming. A bit muddy in places, but not overly so. A circular walk from Guildford town centre taking in the beautiful centre of Surrey's historic county town along with a surprisingly peaceful stretch of the River Wey. No Walk-ins please. It was also at this point, when getting out my ticket, that I realised I had only bought a single, not a return ticket. Apart from that it was really nice. Then as you walk towards and under the railway bridge, it becomes more tree lined again. Go over the bridge, and pick up the path on the other side. You will also get a view of what I think is St Catherines Chapel on a hill across the field. Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot. I love getting together with friends in the morning and hitting the trail. Places ton. The scenery is beautiful. Browse the large selection of second-hand books. If you are coming by car, the station does have a pay and display car park. Explore the River Wey by electric boat. Blue Badge parking, accessible toilets and baby change facilities at Dapdune Wharf. Walking Routes - includes a section on Surrey Guildford to Godalming (5 Miles) This walk covers the southern part of the River Wey from the busy centre of Guildford the path soon takes on a rural nature. Starting point: The bridge at the back of Guildfords Yvonne Arnaud Theatre at Millbrook (GU1 3UX). Then calm it all down with wild art and Easter crafts before enjoying your Easter egg prize in your bunny ears. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rye to Camber Sands 6 miles. Will it be sunny, cold or wet? Not muddy, lovely woods, shame about the traffic in places. The Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the Canal Age. At the end of the second bridge, take a moment to look to the right where you will see the mill race still flowing beneath the old mill buildings. Do NOT turn right here, instead keep ahead for a few paces and then turn left onto the signed bridleway into the woodland. The walk has a few gentle climbs and descents throughout. Turn right through the gates onto Platform 1. Fantastic trail. Watts Gallery Loop to West Warren and East Warren, Munstead, Thorncombe Street and Unsted Circular. 7. Little Venice to Camden walk 2.5 miles. You will be able to see the River Wey meandering in the valley bottom to your left. The River Wey Navigation opened in 1653. Beyond the bridge, keep straight ahead, passing some offices on your left. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Paddling along the River Wey Navigations is a great way to explore this historic waterway. Good parts for dogs with just a few bits on leads. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Visitors can see where the huge Wey barges were built and climb aboard 'Reliance', one of three surviving barges. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 47 min to complete. In fact, it becomes less trail, and more tidy path. I shall not reiterate a full description of the history of the Wey Navigation, covered very well by Richard Clayton in his introduction to Walk 31. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Designed and developed with PenciDesign. I have walked much of the Thames Path and many canals in the Thames valley, but the River Wey is perhaps my favourite walk. Luckily both are situated close to railway stations:West Byfleet(start) andGuildford(finish) both operateNational Rail trains and are on the same line. It is the first river in Britain to be made navigable. The path climbs first steadily and then more steeply to reach a kissing gate. The walk from Guildford to Godalming along the River Wey is nice and simple. Along the River Wey Navigations is Dapdune Wharf , the heritage centre which shows how the river way used to transport goods before the days of trains and roads. Tick off the steps on the trail, have a go at the bunny racecourse, shoot your arrows as far as they'll go, build a den. Join or log in above if you are already a member. 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. Lovely scenery particularly on the second part of the walk near the River Wey. The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Ok, now you are properly on the River Wey, and the walk is all simple from here. (i.e., 1st young lady with blue and green hair, with flip flops, wearing orange pajama pants and a very holy tee shirt / 2nd young lady with burgundy colored hair, bare feet and almost nonexistent shorts). Tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey. This bit of road goes on for longer than is desirable and is very loud. Where does the River Wey start and finish? 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). At the bridge, walk down to the river on the side next to the White House pub. River ThamesRiver Wey / Mouth. Learn how your comment data is processed. Imagine this, the cost of 1 single is the same as a return. There is an excellent pub in Eashing , half way round! The Wey was one of the first British rivers to be made navigable, and opened to barge traffic in 1653. Treat yourself at the Lock keepers cafe - we serve barista style coffees with traditional round cakes and tray bakes. The route took me just under 4 hours to complete, but I walked relatively fast and with only a few breaks. When you reach the road, to the left and then right is a small trail leading behind some houses. Scenic moringing countryside / river / urban virtual run / gimbal walking tour with music along the Wey Navigation near Guildford, England, UK. Walk From Guildford To Godalming Along The River Wey, 8 Best Surrey Hills Walks: Full Route Guides, Ultimate Seven Sisters Walk Guide: Seaford to Eastbourne, How to walk from Hastings to Rye England, 6 best walks from Brockenhurst in the New Forest, Chee Dale Stepping Stones Walk: Ultimate Guide, 57 Best Camper Van Accessories And Gadgets. One of the oldest river navigations in the country, River Wey Navigation was once a bustling waterway for merchants between Guildford and London. In the 1800s, when railways started to appear, trade moved away from the rivers. Tea-room serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries and ice cream. 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. If travel guides like this interest you, head over tomy blog pageto find out more! The Towpath Trail is easily accessible. So, once you reach the bridge. The trips take about 40 minutes, and leave at 11am, 11.50am, 12.40pm, 2pm, 2.50pm and 3.40pm. frequent services, alight at the Cricket Ground on Woodbridge Road, Dapdune Wharf is on Wharf Road to rear of Surrey County Cricket Ground, off Woodbridge Road, A322 (only accessible from the northbound carriageway), Guildford, Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR. Catteshall Lock is the first lock on the Godalming Navigation. Sir Richard Weston first cut an artificial channel in 1618, from where the Rowbarge Inn now stands, to the new lock at Stoke, and then three miles beyond across his land. Leave Godalming rail station via the main exit (on Platform 2), cross the road and turn left along the pavement. Some of the finest hikes around Godalming take to the hills and seek out panoramic viewpoints. Its more something to do if you are already there. The Bookshed is a riverside delight for book lovers. Trips should be booked online in advance to guarantee a trip. Thats kind of why I chose to do it on this day. If you did go up, make your way back down to continue the walk along the River Wey. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Today the bridges are owned by the National Trust. You can see in my photos, water was being let through the lock. Further still, at the fork, stay with the main surfaced path which swings right (away from the river) leading you between sections of marsh, under powerlines, over a footbridge and then uphill between houses to reach a junction with the road, Peperharow Road. It is a serene and peaceful river that passes through some classic English countryside and has an amazing 300 year old history of barge transport and canal infrastructure. A mix of path types along the way with a few stretches of the walk along quiet roads. Nice walking trail. The River Wey Navigation connects to the Basingstoke Canal at West Byfleet, and the Godalming Navigation to the Wey and Arun Canal near Shalford.Wey and Godalming Navigations. Well maintained, quite, restrooms clean. During heat waves, you will find kids jumping off the bridge, and people generally taking a dip to cool down from the heat. Cross this and continue a few paces forward to reach the road. The walk has a few gentle climbs and descents throughout. The River Watch trip goes downstream towards Stoke Lock, offering a different view of Guildford and its surrounding area and looking out for wildlife such as kingfishers. Where does the river Wey start and finish? This takes you along the river as it runs through a greenthis is also where all the benches are. Discover the different lengths of the River Wey Navigations on a boat trip or enjoy a leisurely walk along the towpath, looking out for wildlife at the waters edge. Please drop them off at Dapdune Wharf, Thursdays to Mondays 9am-5pm or to the Navigations Office on Tuesdays. Nice and quiet. For less strenuous outings, there are plenty of serene waterside walks with beautiful meadows and the company of canal boats chugging along. Editors' Code of Practice. It would help keep the grass warm during the winter. The most common route is a 19km walk along the canal and towpath between Guildford and West Byfleet. 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. Keep going until you meet Broadford Bridge, which crosses over the river at Shalford. You can enjoy a small walk or take your bicycle.. Great path to bring the kids to exercise and have fun.. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. As I said, its quite slippy and steep, so do this at your own risk. England - South England - Surrey - River Walk. Book your boat trip from Dapdune Wharf here. Explore the towpath from Guildford to Shalford and onto the pretty village of Wonersh with this crisp wintery walk. Now there are a couple of things to make you aware of, before you walk along the river from Guildford to Godalming. Back in the 16th century, the Tillingbourne was one of the countrys most industrial rivers. St. Catherines Lock Crossing the River Wey loop from Farncombe, Winkworth Arboretum Lovely view from a quiet spot loop from Godalming, Rope swing over the Wey loop from Godalming, St Peter's Church Lovely view from a quiet spot loop from Farncombe, Hambledon Church Hydon's Ball loop from Godalming, Rope swing over the Wey loop from Farncombe, Lovely view from a quiet spot Hilltop Kitchen loop from Farncombe, Crossing the River Wey St. Catherines Lock loop from Farncombe, St. Catherines Lock River Wey loop from Farncombe, Viewpoint to Chinthurst Hill St Martha's Hill loop from Farncombe, Bramley and Wonersh Station loop from Catteshall, Rope swing over the Wey loop from Busbridge, White Horse pub Lovely view from a quiet spot loop from Farncombe, Rope swing over the Wey St John the Baptist Church loop from Ockford Ridge. Triggs length is the most rural length along the Navigation. It was nice to get away from the very busy road. If you are looking for refreshments at this point, you will be able to see The Stag pub about 200 metres up the road to the right. About 100 years later, 4 locks were build between Guildford and Godalming, becoming the Godalming navigation. A circular walk from Godalming Station in Surrey, exploring the valley of the River Wey, west of the town including the medieval stone bridge in Eashing. Walk along the river to St Catherine's Lock The next section of the walk along the River Wey is easy, along a wide dirt path. Commercial barges ceased in 1983. To do this, go over the next bridge and keep going until you reach the main road. Customize Map data OpenStreetMap contributors Experience the River Wey by water and discover the history of the river navigations on a boat trip from Dapdune Wharf. Today, the leisurely pace of the Navigations contrasts with the speed of the railways and motorways that link London and Guildford. There are two boat trips to choose from: the Time Traveller and the River Watch. Great little walk of about two hours. Look out for the old railway station at Bramley, which now forms part of the Downs Link long-distance walking path. The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Trail is 33 miles from Penny Bridge to the River Wey at Woodham. Great park to walk - ride your bike- picnic. Crew urgently trying to get their goods to the city, to catch the London tides. 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 On weekends, in the summer months, some parts of it can be quite busy. This one is in London, and takes you along the Regents Canal. Id get board. After crossing the Weir, the path does get slightly muddy. As a man-made thoroughfare, the habitat structure is largely man-made too, and we manage these plants to ensure access and encourage wildlife along the towpath. access to Dapdune Wharf from town centre via towpath or Woodbridge Road. Back in the day, they were to help barge boats gets around the corners of the River. Follow Halfway Lane, a tarmac access lane, for some distance. With a mix of under tree and open air walking. Some twisting fast roads with no pavements. Easy access from many areas of the trail., Easy to walk with nice views of the rover and parks, bathroom along the way. From Saturday 4th March the Bookshed at Dapdune Wharf reopens, packed to the rafters with a wonderful variety of second-hand books, all donated by visitors and local communities around the River Wey. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are a few of these around on the Wey Navigation river bends. Amberley to Arundel Further south in the South Downs. The River Wey Navigation opened in 1653. If you like a big steep hill, this one is for you. Beyond the woodland, the bridleway leads you under power lines and continues with a horse paddock on the left. It is a truly beautiful stretch of water to paddle, cycle or walk along. Enjoy this trek and opportunity to dive back into nature and feel that connection once more. Just past the barges you will reach Cattashall Lock. Visit Dapdune Wharf and learn about the history of the people to lived and worked on the River Wey. This is a popular trail for horseback riding, road biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The original lock controlled the water used to flood the meadows. Toughness 6 out of 10. There are 12 locks on the stretch between Weybridge and Guildford. more, Official Hollywood Sign Hike: Walk to the Hollywood Sign on this LA Tour, The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More, Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission Ticket, Small-Group Hollywood, LA Beaches & Filming Location Tour from Anaheim, Ontario Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate, Beverly Hills Tour - Movie Star Homes and LA Sightseeing on Electric Bike, Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour, The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles--FREE WATERS and PHOTOS, Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket, Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour, Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More, St.abanoub St & Anthony Coptic Orthodox Church. Like for cars on roads. There are alternative car parks within Godalming if you prefer. Whilst you are there: Visit Shalford Mill, an 18th-century watermill run by the National Trust (opening times at nationaltrust.org.uk/shalford-mill). Find out how to book a boat trip, where to walk, and wildlife you can spot here. Start and finished at Godalming train station. Now, just past the bridge, you will pass some steps to the right, leading up to a WWII pillbox. Over the cute bridge, and back to the river on the other side, things became a bit more open again. With a mix of under tree and open air walking. This adds 4 miles to the walk. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Out of the station, you need to cross over the main road and find your way to the underpass, which will take you to the river. You have a few incredible viewpoints on this walk, and a little bit of history with the gunpowder mills. It is an easy, mostly flat, river walk that could be done as an out and back as well instead of a point to point. Really good walk and would recommend. This route starts along the river, but then veers off to the east - rejoining the river just before Guildford.There are a few hills up and down, which might be tricky in wet weather so be prepared. People around must of the time appears to be safe place for kids. Nice to have varied scenery to walk through. The section between Weybridge and Guildford came first. You will walk over cute wooden bridge, not to cross to the other side of the River Wey, but to cross a little offshoot coming onto the river. I will definitely be back! There is level access to the tearoom from the back door. Take it at your own pace, admiring the water for darting fish, drifting house boats, and an array of birds nesting and singing from the undergrowth. The River Wey is a tributary of the River Thames with the main section between Weybridge and Godalming being located in Surrey, UK. This page is updated daily come sunshine or rain. 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. You will see the humour in it when you go . I decided to wait until I reached the end of the route in Guildford before getting lunch as that meant there was a reward to look forward to! What I mean by that is, you dont need a map to navigate your way and its not too long. Keep bearing left, following the footpath by the A248 until you reach the common after about 200 yards. Farnham to Guildford walk 11 miles. Some muddy sections which proved to be relatively tricky and LOTS of nettles but beautiful views, peaceful and very worth it. Try this rout. From memory, this bit got particularly muddy. Took us 2.5 hours with a 3 year old (and no pram). Flying about in their flock. A walk along the Basingstoke Canal. They make summer roosts in trees and bridges along the towpath. Some sections are pretty peaceful, for some its a faint background noise, and others its quite loud. 6) From here, take the B2128 signposted to Bramley. River Walk Park, Eastvale: Address, Phone Number, River Walk Park Reviews: 4.5/5. Go straight on, crossing over the side road Westbrook Road, and then take the next left, Borough Road, passing the Church of St Peter and St Paul on your right. The River Wey is a tributary of the River Thames with the main section between Weybridge and Godalming being located in Surrey, UK. 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. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. This route takes you from Godalming at the train station to Guildford train station. If you choose to cycle by the river, please be aware it is a potentially dangerous activity. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. This walk covers the southern part of the River Wey from the busy centre of Guildford the path soon takes on a rural nature. This is a car crossing bridge, so once its safe to do so, cross over to join the trail on the other side, as it leads you to a nice collection of barges. With less trade, meant less money. To keep this an easy ready I will bullet point some of its history. Of particular interest are the downstream cutwaters which are rounded to prevent eddying (or turbulence) of the water and consequent wearing down of the piers. You will also walk past this roller thing. Can be muddy in places. From here you can see the ancient Lammas lands historic common land on the floodplain, where ownership was marked by dole stones. It is a serene and peaceful river that passes through some classic English countryside and has an amazing 300 year old history of barge transport and canal infrastructure. How does the braking system work in a car? Find information for paddlers and licences here. Eventually you will emerge from the woodland via another staggered barrier. The river flows slow and steady with clear water in many parts. The job role evolved over time, and now is run by lengths men who manage water levels and vegetation along their length. What Im saying is, for much of the walk you will hear the sound of trains and cars. This walks takes you along the River Wey, as far as that bridge. It became known as the Wey Navigation. With over 300,000 words and more than 2,000 images, the site is maintained by volunteers who have tried to give you a great introduction to this beautiful and historic valley. Take in the beautiful Surrey scenery by boating along the River Wey Navigation. The whole of the route is suitable for walkers while cyclists can enjoy a nice waterside section in Guildford. Enjoy a range of refreshments at the tea-room or browse the second-hand bookshop at Dapdune to discover your next favourite read. Godalming. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. A Gannett Company. The canal route runs from the Godalming Navigation of the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford in Surrey, . 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Even the railway view is pretty cool up here. 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). Follow the Wey Navigation for a mile, and youll pass a bridge signposted to Shalford Park, and a hillside of brightly-coloured golden sand, which many suggest is how the town of Guildford got its name (as in Golden crossing). Book your boat trip from Dapdune Wharf here. Santa Ana Riverwalk Trail. Btw Beware of snakes! Are you sure you wish to delete this comment? 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. At the starting point there is a large sign that states you must always wear a mask. You'll have chance to see Guildford's famous cobbled High Street plus Guildford Castle along with the picturesque River Wey where on summer days you'l see narrow boats, rowing boats and canoes all messing about on the river. Stay with this path which leads you over several boardwalks and via flights of steps, taking care as it can be very muddy and slippery in part. Went here with the family (5) to ride bikes and enjoy our time together. Traditionally, each section had a lock keeper, who was in charge of maintaining water levels in their section. The Godalming Navigation, which links it to Godalming, has a further four locks and was completed in 1764. It was also significantly louder along here. We saw lots of bunnies today as well as some beautiful flowers (bees included) which is a great way to begin SPRING! As the pavement ends, continue along the road edge (taking care) and follow this over Eashing Bridges. The pipistrelle is the most common British species of bat and is also the smallest. 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. Keep going, and you will reach St Catherines Lock. Stage 2 of the North Downs Way. Nice trail with a mixture of woodland and farmland. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code. The route is predominantly on footpaths, bridleways and very minor roads, though there are a couple of A-roads you will need to cross. Or, you could do a combination and park your car at West Byfleet then walk the trail and take the train or a taxi back to your car again. Really nice walk. The walk near the roads are not that safe. The Wey Navigations form a green corridor running through the Surrey countryside. Go up it. Ticket charges apply to all people over one year old. A very short section walking on the road but relatively quiet road. A circular walk from Godalming Station in Surrey, exploring the valley of the River Wey, west of the town including the medieval stone bridge in Eashing. Toilets available at the Wharf, in the tearoom and at the far end of the site. The Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the Canal Age. The Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the Canal Age. Some parts of this walk are on a windy road where cars go on, it felt a little stressful with kids. The blue colour was created using the locally-grown woad. Easy lovely walk. The town of Godalming is situated in some of the finest countryside in southern England. River Thames Alternatively, if you want a quick glance at a few: Guidlford to St Marthas Church walk 11 miles.