The only Wey is up.

We've spent the last four days exploring the delights of the River Wey and Godalming Navigations. Opened in 1653, with the Godalming Navigations following in 1764, extending the navigation a further four miles, these waterways have been in existence since long before our beloved canals were even considered. One of the main uses of this navigation was for the transportation of gunpowder, and was, back in the day, the 'motorway' to London, linking with the Thames at Shepperton. 

Today, Godalming Wharf is the southern most point of the connected waterways of the UK, so us 'northerners' had to visit, to say that we'd been. Not exactly a place to remember other than for the fact that there is a Sainburys right next door, which is great for re-stocking the cupboards, and the fact that there is a lovely horse drawn trip boat running, which we were lucky enough to see on Saturday afternoon. 

Genuine horse power

Just beautiful

One thing which has been most apparent has been the number of visitors to the waterway. Not on boats necessarily, as the number of boats has been really low for a bank holiday weekend, but it is a constant stream of walkers, joggers, cyclists, rowers, canoeists and gongoozlers. And we have to say, everyone we have come across has been very pleasant, even if the question 'Are you really from Derbyshire' has got a bit tiresome !! 

So here's a few pictures from the waterway that we've taken over the last four days. 

Coxes Mill and lock. Now nice flats appartments

Papercourt Lock and wier is very picturesque

Sutton Place is a Grade I listed building dating from 1525 and built by Sir Richard Weston. The estate has had a string of super rich owners and was once owned by the worlds richest private person at the time, J Paul Getty. It is now owned by Russian billionaire, Alisher Usmanov.

 

The driveway to Sutton Place

  

We didn't fancy trying to get any closer

  

Dapdune Wharf

  

Guildford Wharf

  

One of the friendly locals...Trigger the Japanese Akita

  

A lovely mooring at Guns Mouth at the junction with the Wey and Arun Canal

Broadford Bridge is very low at 6'5"

So now we are back at Shepperton and back on the Thames. Would we do the Wey again?...most definitely. It's a welcome change from the big river and a gem of a waterway. We found the locks interesting and you really need to take the advice of the lock keeper when going up the locks as the majority of the locks are gate paddles only. Make use of the yellow posts is definitely a sound piece of advice! We saw a few come unstuck by going freestyle!