This year's Wey & Arun Canal Trust's sponsored walk followed an interesting "figure of 8" route. The start, finish and midday stop on the 15-mile route were all in Loxwood, West Sussex; this allowed walkers good views of the Trust's major project to restore the canal crossing under the main road in Loxwood. The total cost of this project is likely to reach £1.5 million, all raised by the Trust's own efforts. With the permission of local landowners, Geoff Perks, the Trust's skilled route planner, came up with an interesting and almost road-free route, based around the North Hall in Loxwood.

255 walkers gathered to register and collect their walk guides. The morning provided the opportunity to see Sidney Wood, which many consider the most attractive stretch of the canal route. The walk passed lock numbers 12 and 16; the structures have almost completely disappeared, but there is still a marked change in the level of the canal bed.

The afternoon started with an open walk through fields and past an old mill and at Barnsill Bridge the "Poddlers" rejoined the canal and followed the towpath past Baldwin's Knob Lock (Lock 4), Brewhurst Bridge and the newly lengthened and lowered Brewhurst Lock to the B2133 at Loxwood High Street. From here, walkers were able to appreciate progress on construction of the new bridge, which will soon take the canal under this busy road. To date the money raised during the day totals £11,000.

Jim Phillips, the Trust's treasurer commented "This is another excellent result. It is so encouraging to see so much enthusiasm for the Trust's fundraising work."

Further information and photographs in the form of JPEG files can be obtained from the Wey and Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (07771 923368): e-mail: pr@weyandarun.co.uk.

For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403.