This is a great trail for kids and dogs are allowed if on a lease. . There is a well maintained and signposted National Trust towpath that runs the length of the route. NOTE: Most of the Thames Path is a public footpath on which cyclists have no legal right to ride unless they have permission from the landowners cycling without permission is a trespass offence against landowners. So you could take the train to West Byfleet, walk the trail, then take the train home from Guildford. Then calm it all down with wild art and Easter crafts before enjoying your Easter egg prize in your bunny ears. I have walked much of the Thames Path and many canals in the Thames valley, but the River Wey is perhaps my favourite walk. Access is available to Walkingworld subscribers or you can buy the walk individually for 1.95 once you are logged in. You will walk away from the houses, and past another cute bridge, before reaching another concentration of houses. The walk from Guildford to Godalming along the River Wey is nice and simple. Stage 2 of the North Downs Way. There are several boardwalks, some steps, a gate, some staggered barriers and one stile (which has access alongside for dogs). Alternatively you can bike the route in 45 minutes to an hour. If it is indeed not accessible when you are there, you need to leave the river for a bit. 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. Godalming itself has many options for refreshments at the start or end of the walk. Will it be sunny, cold or wet? 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. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Experience the River Wey Navigations on a boat trip, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the towpath, looking out for wildlife along the waters edge. There is level access to the tearoom from the back door. You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk. Blue Badge parking, accessible toilets and baby change facilities at Dapdune Wharf. Coming to rest and then suddenly flocking again. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Walk along this, then at the road on the other side, go left, and you should see the Godalming Station car park ahead. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. 7. For your safety use the grass verges where possible and swap between the two road edges to ensure you are visible to the traffic. 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 . England - South England - Surrey - River Walk. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Youll discover some interesting industrial and military history along the way. Its more something to do if you are already there. The route is predominantly on footpaths, bridleways and very minor roads, though there are a couple of A-roads you will need to cross. As its apoint to point trail, it lacks the luxury of a circular route where you can drive to the starting point and leave from the same place you began. It meant business. The banks of the river will be lined with people. Rejoin the pavement and follow this as it swings left to lead you under the railway bridge. 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. What Im saying is, for much of the walk you will hear the sound of trains and cars. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You can also buy a licence to use your own canoe/kayak/paddleboard here. Anyway, keep going and you will soon reach Instead Lock. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. At the junction with the River Wey Navigation, you can continue north to Weybridge or south to Guildford alongside the River Wey. Places ton. What I mean by that is, you dont need a map to navigate your way and its not too long. It was also significantly louder along here. The trail starts and finishes at bridge crossings. 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. A sanctuary for wildlife, a historic waterway running through the heart of Surrey. However, one will observe individuals not wearing masks nor abiding by the social distancing requirements. A bit muddy in places, but not overly so. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The garden of Munstead Wood, the Grade 1 listed home of Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) while now privately owned can be visited by contacting the owners directly on the website link below. To do this, go over the next bridge and keep going until you reach the main road. New Haw length was once an urban length of the navigation but is now suburban, with only the noise of the M25 passing overhead at Byfleet. A Gannett Company. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Street parking is adequate. How about a nice, flat six-miler? Get to know this 5.9-mile out-and-back trail near Norco, California. Starting point: The bridge at the back of Guildfords Yvonne Arnaud Theatre at Millbrook (GU1 3UX). Find our top picks for water sports here. Now, just past the bridge, you will pass some steps to the right, leading up to a WWII pillbox. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Walking route along the river Wey and the Chantries in Shalford, Surrey Shalford, River Wey and the Chantry Woods Surrey A beautiful route that starts in Shalford on the village green and ventures down the River Wey joining the North Downs Way at the footbridge over the river. IMPORTANT NOTE: The next 500 metres of route follows the edge of this road, which can be busy and has a number of bends. Bats are by far the most numerous canal mammals. We also have reciprocal rights to fish the Guilford Angling . Park at the station - it's easier. Within one of the gardens on your right, look out for the old monkey puzzle tree which has grown significantly taller than the cottage itself. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Lovely scenery particularly on the second part of the walk near the River Wey. The section between Weybridge and Guildford came first. Follow Halfway Lane, a tarmac access lane, for some distance. This church has an elegant spire of timber framing with lead. Many of these weavers cottages are now highly desirable Surrey abodes. Golden yellow fields stretch away from the river in all directions. How does the braking system work in a car? The River Wey has some interesting history. 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. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 7. Where the road bends right, fork left to join the tarmac footpath ahead. Lovely walk mostly on the flat with a couple of short elevated sections. 1) This walk starts from the centre of Guildford, behind the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Parking at Dapdune Wharf is free for members for up to 4 hours. 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. Keep walking along the river, and things go from tree cover, back to openness, as you pass some river side houses to reach Broadford Bridge. It was originally the ice house from Wonersh House, the Lords former home. Can be muddy in places. Thanks for reading my travel guide on how to hike the River Wey. Turn left along the road, follow it around a sharp right-hand bend (with Eashing Farm on the left) and continue past the complex of barns on the right. Continue ahead, past the stables and a couple of houses, to reach the T-junction with the road, Lower Eashing. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. On a clear sunny day, this is an absolute delight. The whole vibe of the trail changes. The pidgins were going a bit crazy here. The walk is otherwise very pleasant. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Today we parked at the listed address and then took the trail to the left. 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. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you have any questions about any of them please feel free to leave a comment on the post or send me an email. Chris Howard inspecting the World War Two defences. Good fitness required. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. What attractions are near River Walk Park? Copyright 1999, 2023 Walkingworld Ltd. All rights reserved | Credits. Well maintained, quite, restrooms clean. 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. 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. So unless you plan on taking a bit of a wild swim dip, I would suggest doing this in the cooler months. After crossing the river at Pyrford Lock, you walk along the River Wey Navigation Path pretty much back to the car. It was nice to get away from the very busy road. Treat yourself at the Lock keepers cafe - we serve barista style coffees with traditional round cakes and tray bakes. Award-winning visitor centre telling the story of the navigations and the people who lived and worked on them. Keep bearing left, following the footpath by the A248 until you reach the common after about 200 yards. Thats kind of why I chose to do it on this day. The next section of the walk along the River Wey is easy, along a wide dirt path. The walk near the roads are not that safe. Bring your family to the Dapdune Wharf on winter weekends until 19 March. Because of the direction the road, the noise is pretty loud until you pass by and under the next bridge. Dogs on leads allowed at the Wharf, but not on boat trips. The current was generated by a water-wheel at Westbrook Mills. Look out for the old railway station at Bramley, which now forms part of the Downs Link long-distance walking path. At the starting point there is a large sign that states you must always wear a mask. There are alternative car parks within Godalming if you prefer. Book a boat trip here until 6 November. Riverside. The Wey was one of the first British rivers to be made navigable, and opened to barge traffic in 1653. If you choose to cycle by the river, please be aware it is a potentially dangerous activity. The beginning of the walk from Guildford is a bit confusing and stop/start. The River Wey, now navigable, was used to transport goods to and from London and the River Thames. 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. For me, thats too long to walk straight along a river or canal. Clearly the monks knew how to build bridges to last! Really good walk and would recommend. Some twisting fast roads with no pavements. Our Waters - River Wey. Suitable for all skill levels. You will pass the Fitzpatrick Vet Hospital on your left (which you may recognise from the TV show, Supervet) and then come to a junction of paths alongside a single cottage, Far Cottage. 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. Noted a few birds, but no wildlife, except for a few weirdly dressed walkers. Try this rout. Continue along and then through a car park and then cross the river at the next bridge. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code. The . It runs 15 miles from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge. Commercial barges ceased in 1983. The trips take about 40 minutes, and leave at 11am, 11.50am, 12.40pm, 2pm, 2.50pm and 3.40pm. There are two boat trips to choose from: the Time Traveller and the River Watch. You can enjoy a small walk or take your bicycle.. Great path to bring the kids to exercise and have fun.. The forest path just after Peperharow rd is the worst part. Even the railway view is pretty cool up here. 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. I really enjoy going for a walk in this park along the trail. Cyclists are also permitted to use the towpath but must give way to pedestrians. 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. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It became known as the Wey Navigation. 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. Really nice walk. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. . Two designated parking spaces can be found next to the Information hut. Past the field, and under some more trees, you will soon reach the bridge. Very enjoyable for bikers, runners, and walkers. Some parts of this walk are on a windy road where cars go on, it felt a little stressful with kids. It takes you from our version of Venice, past lots of barge boats, and alongside Regents park. I have to say though, this last bit of the river walk into Godalming did surprise me a little. We can sometimes accommodate pay-on-the-day trips, but this cannot be guaranteed. Book your boat trip from Dapdune Wharf here. Restrooms are currently not open due to the Virus concerns. Find out how you can volunteer and help our visitors enjoy the peaceful waterways just a few miles from London.