The latest edition of a popular walking guide to some of the most unspoilt and interesting parts of Surrey and West Sussex is now available.

W&A Enterprises Ltd, the trading and fund-raising arm of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, has just published the latest edition of Wey South Path. The guide covers the 36-mile long-distance path between Guildford in Surrey and Amberley in Sussex, where the path joins the South Downs Way. The path follows the route of the disused Wey & Arun Junction Canal and Arun Navigation as closely as possible.

Wey-South Path was first published in 1975, when the project to restore the canal was in its infancy, and has been through several comprehensive updates since then, as work on the canal has progressed. The latest edition reflects, among other developments, the recent and current restoration in the Loxwood area, including the tunnel under the B2133 road.

Editor of the guide, Lyn Nash, of Loxwood says: "Thousands of people have enjoyed the navigable length in the middle of the canal, either on the Trust's trip boats, or on foot. We hope this will encourage them to purchase the walking guide and look at the canal further afield, where they can see the other work that has been carried out, and appreciate the amount that remains to be done. But the Loxwood stretch, where several locks and bridges, an aqueduct and two public road crossings have all been rebuilt shows that complete reopening is possible. All that is needed is permission from the owners, money to help us carry out the work, and continued public support. Buying the guide and walking the canal is a great way to not only demonstrate that support, but enjoy the countryside through which this 'green corridor' passes. And with the emphasis on healthy living, walking is a great way to exercise.

"In fact, studies show that for every boat load of people on the canal, hundreds more will travel the towpath on foot."

The route is divided into six sections, each with a convenient start and finish point such as a waterside pub. In addition to the canal route, there are 12 circular walks based on the canal. Nine of these circular routes are brand new, included in response to requests for shorter walks.

The Wey-South Path and associated walks all use public rights of way, passing through or close to Bramley, Cranleigh, Dunsfold, Loxwood, Billingshurst and Pulborough.

The 64-page book includes clear maps of the walking routes, alongside descriptive notes and color photographs.

Wey-South Path (ISBN 978-0-953-1911-1-6), is published by W&A Enterprises Ltd. Price £4.00 or £4.75 including P&P. Copies can be ordered from: W&A Enterprises Ltd, c/o John Wood, 24 Griffiths Avenue, LANCING, BN15 0HW.

Cheques/postal orders payable to W&A Enterprises Ltd. Payment by credit/debit card is possible by phoning the Wey & Arun Canal Trust office on 01403 752403 between 0900 and 1300 Monday to Friday only.

Further information about the Wey & Arun Canal Trust and the boat cruises is available from the Trust's office, on 01403 752403.

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Notes to Editors

A photograph to accompany this press release is available from WACT Press Officer Bill Thomson, bill_thomson@weyandarun.co.uk, 01403 210347

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust