With spring in the air, why not stretch your legs and go for a walk along the beautiful River Wey, the navigable section of which links the Thames to Godalming via Guildford.The river flows through the heart of Guildford so is easily accessible for people wanting a quick stroll or the perfect starting off point for something a bit longer.
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