Notice: David Rose’s Guided History and Nature Walk, River Wey, Saturday, September 13

Published on: 29 Aug, 2025
Updated on: 29 Aug, 2025

Joint local historian David Rose who has once again teamed up with the National Trust River Wey Navigations at Dapdune Wharf for a free circular walk on Saturday morning, September 13.

The walk, that is also part of this year’s Guildford Walkfest, will follow the navigation down stream to Stoke Lock, over to the Riverside Nature Reserve, along the natural River Wey backwater, across Stoke Park and back.

Stoke Mill and the River Wey Navigation in the early 1900s.

David will give details of the navigation’s history while showing some vintage photos from his collection.

Stoke Lock and a Wey barge in about the 1940s or 50s.

Pausing at Stoke Lock and to take a look towards Slyfield where an enormous amount of groundwork is taking place. This is making ready for the re-siting of Thames Water’s sewage treatment works, Guildford Borough Council’s depot and where it’s expected 1,500 homes will eventually be built at what’s to be called the Weyside Urban Village.

Stoke Lake at the Riverside Nature Reserve. Picture: Malcolm Fincham.

Also, pointing out wildlife at the Riverside Nature Reserve’s Stoke Lake – and explain how it was already a wildlife haven, albeit quite different, before it was developed in conjunction with the A3 bypass improvements of the early 1980s.

The Second World War “dragon’s teeth”anti-tank blocks in the woodland behind the Spectrum leisure complex, Stoke Park.

On to Stoke Park and points of interest will include how it was bought by Guildford corporation 100 years ago this year, as well as looking at existing wartime defences and other related stories.

Start time is 10.30am from Depdune Wharf, off Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4RR.

Grid Ref: SU993502 What3Words: trash.safe.bells

Parking (free for National Trust members), tea shop and toilets.

Back by about 1pm.

Well behaved dogs welcome.

Booking is essential via the National Trust River Wey Navigations on 0344 249 1895. Or send an email to riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk

Click here for listing on National Trust’s website.

Click here for listing on Guildford Walkfest’s website.