Free Guided Walks Along the River Wey Navigations with the National Trust

Published on: 26 Oct, 2023
Updated on: 26 Oct, 2023

Here are two free guided walks along stretches of the historic River Wey Navigations coming up in November.

The first, on Saturday, November 4, will be led by local historian and writer David Rose.

It’s titled Along the Navigable and Non-navigable Wey at Godalming. Website link.

Meet at Godalming Wharf, off Woolsack Way, GU7 1LQ.

This walk takes in the final stretch of the Godalming Navigation and part of the River Wey itself, upstream from the town centre.

Vintage picture postcard view of Godalming’s town bridge – where the Godalming Navigation ends and the non-navigable River Wey begins. Picture: David Rose collection.

The first part of the walk will be a circular route downstream along the towpath and back via the Lammas Lands.

Then, through Phillips Memorial Park, with the memorial to Farncombe man Jack Phillips, a radio operator on the ill-fated Titanic.

The route then follows a footpath from Westbrook Mills along a beautiful tranquil stretch beside the non-navigable Wey, probably usually only known to locals and anglers!

The walk returns to Godalming Wharf via the town. Plenty of local history facts along the route! Length: four miles (three hours).

It’s a good idea to wear boots if it’s been wet.

The next walk is on Wednesday, November 15. Titled Middle Ground Walk, the walk leader will invite you to explore the area that gave birth to the Wey Navigation on this just over eight-mile walk. Website link.

The Wey Navigation near Bowers Lock. Picture: National Trust.

It will include three locks right in the middle of the Wey Navigation – Bowers, Stoke and Triggs – and give thought to what it must have been like to live in the smallest of these lock cottages with nine children and no inside loo.

Meet at the Bowers Lane car park, near GU4 7ND, off Clay Lane, Guildford at 10.30am, finish time 3pm.

If it has been wet, boots are always a good idea.

Take a packed lunch, while there will also be a stop at a pub en route

To book for either walk phone 0344 249 1895. Or email to riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk