River Wey Navigation
Follow the River Wey Navigation towpath from Godalming to the River Thames at Weybridge on this super waterside walk. The whole of the route is suitable for walkers while cyclists can enjoy a nice waterside section in Guildford.
You start off in Godalming and pass Guildford, Sutton Park, Pyrford and Byfleet before finishing in Weybridge where you can pick up the Thames Path. There's lots of scenic Surrey countryside to see and a series of pretty locks and bridges on the way.
Route highlights include the delightful riverside nature reserve in Guildford and the wonderful Wisley Gardens near Woking. Also in this area you will pass the picturesque Pyrford Lock. The delightful lock is a fine place to stop with refreshments at the Anchor pub which has a lovely waterside beer garden. near here you will also pass the historic ruins of the 12th century Newark Priory.
The route also links with the Wey South Path around Guildford.
River Wey Navigation Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
River Wey Navigation Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
River Wey Navigation OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
River Wey Navigation Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In the pretty village of Shalford you could visit the Seahorse pub for some refreshments on the route. There's a fine menu and an attractive outdoor space that’s ideal for a spot of al fresco dining when the sun makes a welcomed appearance. You can easily find it in the village at postcode GU4 8BU for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
At the start of the route there's a couple of good options in Godalming to consider. The historic Star Inn dates back to the 1700s and includes and charming 'Olde Worlde' interior. They serve very good food which you can enjoy in a lovely garden area on warmer days. You can find them at 17 Church Street with postcode GU7 1EL for your sat navs. The Inn on the Lake is another good choice in the town. There's a particularly lovely garden here and a great Sunday roast. You can find them on the Ockford Road at postcode GU7 1RH. They are dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.
In Shalford you could also stop to visit the historic Shalford Mill. The National Trust owned watermill dates from the 18th century and is well worth a visit if you have time after exploring the woods. You can enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the mill and find out all about the its place in the history of Shalford. There's even the opportunity to buy a bag of Shalford Mill flour afterwards.
At Pyrford you could take a small detour from the route to visit the noteworthy Church of St Nicholas in Pyrford village. The church is a fine example of a complete Norman church and is one of few medieval churches in the country in the top category of listed building. It is thought likely that Queen Elizabeth I would have worshipped at this church. She reputedly donated a silver chalice to the church in 1570. The church grounds and the surrounding lands are designated a conservation area, having special architectural and historical importance. It is a picturesque place and well worth some investigation if you have time.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Pyrford Lock and The Anchor pub. The area around this lock is very pretty and includes this canalside pub which is a great place to stop on the route.
Newark Priory - located on a little island near to Woking and Pyrford. Newark Priory was founded at the end of the twelfth century by Ruald de Clane and his wife Beatrice of Send and dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Thomas a Beckett. King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1539. At Newark, the prior was pensioned off, valuables sent to the Tower of London and the land given to the Master of the Kings Horse. It has been said that a cannon was employed from the top of Church Hill to bombard or demolish what were the then extensive buildings! This incident is portrayed in one of a series of paintings made by artist Tessa Kewen in 1963 which are displayed in the porch of St Nicholas Church.
Linear moorings above New Haw Lock.
Coxes Mill and Lock near Weybridge. The former flour mill, last used in the 1980s, has now been converted to flats
The canal near Byfleet. Taken from just north of Murray's Bridge, the towpath is on the right and the rhododendrons in bloom on the left are in the grounds of West Hall.
A cyclist on the River Wey Navigation approaching Weybridge. Heading upstream, the navigation takes a sharp turn right under this bridge into Weybridge Town Lock
Boats on the canal at Parvis Bridge
Papercourt Lock House near Woking. The house was once adjacent to the lock, which was where the weir stream now is. But the lock was moved further east to ease the downstream approach.