This is a great trail for kids and dogs are allowed if on a lease. Why not join the River Wey volunteers and get out in the fresh air? Thats why you may hear it referred to as the Wey Navigation, or sometimes the Wey and Godalming navigation. I love getting together with friends in the morning and hitting the trail. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to 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. If you like a big steep hill, this one is for you. Like I was heading towards a waterfall up ahead. The urban oasis of the River Wey and Godalming Navigations is an important green corridor amidst the bustle of modern-day Surrey. Open 9am-5.30pm. This bit I found quite calming. Watts Gallery Loop to West Warren and East Warren, Munstead, Thorncombe Street and Unsted Circular. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Along the towpath dogs must be under control and on leads in lock areas. Nice to have varied scenery to walk through. There is a sign here pointing which way boats and river traffic should go. Toilets available at the Wharf, in the tearoom and at the far end of the site. Here, youll find Broadford Bridge again, and so you can retrace your steps back to Guildford. Great path to walk (or even run) for the whole family! At the main road turn right. Bring your family to the Dapdune Wharf on winter weekends until 19 March. There are two pathways, one dirt trail for horses and the other (asphalt) for bikers and hikers / runners. With a mix of under tree and open air walking. 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. Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Follow this road down to Wonersh Hollow and keep following the signs to Bramley, over the bridge. 4) Follow the footpath along the A281. 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). Wonersh was a centre of weaving for the medieval, famously dark-blue wool cloth that was exported from Surrey all over the world. Under the bridge, the potentially muddy dirt path continues, and you will walk past a Wey Navigation river split. There were also some unique looking trees along this bit. I have walked much of the Thames Path and many canals in the Thames valley, but the River Wey is perhaps my favourite walk. The whole vibe of the trail changes. A few stinging nettles but all good. Visitors can see where the huge Wey barges were built and climb aboard 'Reliance', one of three surviving 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. From here you can see the ancient Lammas lands historic common land on the floodplain, where ownership was marked by dole stones. Rest under the shade of passing trees and watch the livestock grazing in the fields or a tractor trundling through furrows in the distance. Fantastic easy walk. Caterpillar Class: Ages 1-3. 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. Discover our different types of membership, Newark Lock at River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, Surrey, About River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, Visiting the Wey Navigations with your dog, Family-friendly things to do at River Wey Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, Wey Navigation Dapdune Wharf to Cartbridge Wharf walk, Miles: 5.5 (km: 8.8) - miles: 11.0 (km: 17.6), Miles: 5.5 (km: 8.8) to miles: 11.0 (km: 17.6), Our work renewing lock gates on the River Wey, Volunteer opportunities at River Wey Navigations, Climate change adaptation guidance for heritage organisations, National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA, River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf. Over the cute bridge, and back to the river on the other side, things became a bit more open again. 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. You have a few incredible viewpoints on this walk, and a little bit of history with the gunpowder mills. The original lock controlled the water used to flood the meadows. You will then approach a section where the trail is lined with fence, and houses on the other side. Whilst you are there: Visit Shalford Mill, an 18th-century watermill run by the National Trust (opening times at nationaltrust.org.uk/shalford-mill). We can sometimes accommodate pay-on-the-day trips, but this cannot be guaranteed. The forest path just after Peperharow rd is the worst part. There are alternative car parks within Godalming if you prefer. First time here and I was super impressed! Im glad you asked. Godalming. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Now you dont actually have to walk up this bit, its just for fun. Commercial barges ceased in 1983. 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. Not sure what class they belong in. Paddling along the River Wey Navigations is a great way to explore this historic waterway. Like for cars on roads. You will walk away from the houses, and past another cute bridge, before reaching another concentration of houses. The town of Godalming is situated in some of the finest countryside in southern England. In fact, it becomes less trail, and more tidy path. This church has an elegant spire of timber framing with lead. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The blue colour was created using the locally-grown woad. The entire roundtrip hike / walk can be completed in less than an hour. The station itself is through the car park and up the stairs. At Wonersh, theres The Grantley Arms and Wonersh Village Stores. Ordinance Survey Map: Explorer 145 Guildford & Farnham. Very strange animals. Cross over and turn left along the lane (taking care of traffic) and soon you will be able to join the right-hand pavement. 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. One of the oldest river navigations in the country, River Wey Navigation was once a bustling waterway for merchants between Guildford and London. I went on a frosty Dec day and it was still bad. I have to say though, this last bit of the river walk into Godalming did surprise me a little. On a clear sunny day, this is an absolute delight. Imagine this, the cost of 1 single is the same as a return. Hidden Valley Nature Center and Wildlife Area is located along the Santa Ana River, east of Norco on Arlington Avenue, one mile west of La Sierra Avenue. You will also walk past this roller thing. If travel guides like this interest you, head over tomy blog pageto find out more! 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. Join or log in above if you are already a member. 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. The trips take about 40 minutes, and leave at 11am, 11.50am, 12.40pm, 2pm, 2.50pm and 3.40pm. At the end of William Rd at the right hand side there is a footpath, follow the footpath into Wharf Rd, about 80M, Entry to Dapdune Wharf is on your left. Easy access from many areas of the trail., Easy to walk with nice views of the rover and parks, bathroom along the way. The Godalming Navigation, opened in 1764, extended the navigable waterway a further 4 miles to Godalming. 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. Basically, its a lovely walk to do if you dont have tonnes of energy and just want to switch off. We also offer scoop and tub ice cream and children's lunch boxes and high chairs are available. 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. After St Catherines Lock, the route stays open air, with fields to the side. Cyclists are also permitted to use the towpath but must give way to pedestrians. Anyway, keep going and you will soon reach Instead Lock. The Jack Phillips (Titanic senior wireless operator) Memorial garden, designed by Gertrude Jekyll was built and opened exactly two years to the day of the Titanic sinking. The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. About 20 metres beyond the railway bridge, turn left onto the signed public footpath and follow this with a stream running on your right. The rest of the Way navigation remained a working waterway until the late 1960s. Less money meant that the navigations couldnt be maintained. Its a popular river to play in. This travel guide provides information on how to walk or cycle along the River Wey Navigation Path. Find information for paddlers and licences here. You will also walk past this roller thing. Continue ahead, past the stables and a couple of houses, to reach the T-junction with the road, Lower Eashing. 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. River Walk Park (Eastvale) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The view across the river is actually quite pretty, with the houses. Are you sure you wish to delete this comment? A mix of path types along the way with a few stretches of the walk along quiet roads. From memory, this bit got particularly muddy. Toughness 6 out of 10. Enjoy a range of refreshments at the tea-room or browse the second-hand bookshop at Dapdune to discover your next favourite read. The terrain was excellent and you dont have to worry about navigating; just follow the river! Keep going, and you will reach St Catherines Lock. The walk starts and finishes from Godalming rail station. Look out for the crumbling stone walls of the Newark Priory and the red-brick of John Donnes Elizabethan Summerhouse. If you choose to cycle by the river, please be aware it is a potentially dangerous activity. 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. 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. Come and discover the joys of 20 miles of towpath with your four-legged friends. Go over the bridge, and pick up the path on the other side. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. People around must of the time appears to be safe place for kids. Enjoy walking along the River Wey with pretty tree lines river paths. I wouldnt travel to London just to do this walk. Nice and quiet. Godalming is a town with many famous sons and daughters, for example, artist, gardener and craftswoman, Gertrude Jekyll, and in 1881 became . When you reach the road, to the left and then right is a small trail leading behind some houses. Alternatively, if you want a quick glance at a few: Guidlford to St Marthas Church walk 11 miles. Thank you for your support. The Wey Navigations form a green corridor running through the Surrey countryside. Great little walk of about two hours. Bring your family to the Dapdune Wharf on winter weekends until 19 March. contact the editor here. Santa Ana Riverwalk Trail. The Towpath Trail is easily accessible. Copyright 1999, 2023 Walkingworld Ltd. All rights reserved | Credits. What I mean by that is, you dont need a map to navigate your way and its not too long. Top 20 best walks and hikes around Godalming Map data OpenStreetMap contributors 1 St. Catherine's Lock - Crossing the River Wey Loop from Farncombe Intermediate 03:18 13.0 km 3.9 km/h 40 m 40 m Intermediate Hiking Tour. Some sections are pretty peaceful, for some its a faint background noise, and others its quite loud. For the whole outing, including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 9 hours. It is mostly common land and woodlands on both sides of the road. Love this place:). The interactive table below shows distances on the canal. This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Dapdune Wharf on an Easter trail. 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. I was kicking myself that I ended up paying double the train fair that I needed to. 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. Turn left along the road and, at the end, keep straight ahead on the public footpath into Milton Wood (with a wall running on your right). Good fitness required. If you end up not on the river, but instead on the main road, thats totally fine. 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). The route is predominantly on footpaths, bridleways and very minor roads, though there are a couple of A-roads you will need to cross. You will need to sort out transport to the start and finish point of the River Wey Navigation Path. This bit of road goes on for longer than is desirable and is very loud. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Then turn left into William Rd. Here are some highlights to look out for as you explore the navigations. Location code 804811. 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. 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. Then calm it all down with wild art and Easter crafts before enjoying your Easter egg prize in your bunny ears. St Catherine's length runs from the once industrial hamlet of Broadford, curving around the sharp bends under St Catherine's Hill, giving you a glimpse of the golden sands that gave Guildford its name, to Millmead Lock in the centre of town. 2022 RIVER CONDITIONS NORMAL 10.35hrs The Navigation is now fully open from Godalming Wharf to Thames Lock. This place is the greatest. Towpath partly accessible. Godalming was the first place in the world to have both a public and private electricity supply introduced in September 1881. The next section of the walk along the River Wey is easy, along a wide dirt path. IMPORTANT NOTE: The next 500 metres of route follows the edge of this road, which can be busy and has a number of bends. From open seas to meandering rivers and lakes, there are plenty of spots where you can kayak or canoe at National Trust places. Lovely walk mostly on the flat with a couple of short elevated sections. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Here, you will come into the historic village of Wonersh (Saxon for crooked field). You know, with the roads and cars. Welcome to this community site about the Wey Valley. The banks of the river will be lined with people. Experience the River Wey by water and discover the history of the river navigations on a boat trip from Dapdune Wharf. The walk has a few gentle climbs and descents throughout. Second, you are never that far from a road or railway. A Gannett Company. Dogs on leads allowed at the Wharf, but not on boat trips. 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. There are several boardwalks, some steps, a gate, some staggered barriers and one stile (which has access alongside for dogs). Ticket charges apply to all people over one year old. River Walk Park, Eastvale: Address, Phone Number, River Walk Park Reviews: 4.5/5. The walk has a few gentle climbs and descents throughout. At this time, not certain if I would be interested in returning to this park in the future. 7. Still a great circular walk though!