The Wey South Path

The Wey-South Path is a walking route of some 36 miles from Guildford, Surrey to a junction with the South Downs Way above Amberley, West Sussex. Devised in the early 1970s on behalf of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, then a newly established body aiming to restore the waterway which had previously linked the rivers Wey and Arun, the Path utilises almost all of the canal's towpath which is open to the public - necessarily diverting to avoid sections now in private ownership. The route is divided into six sections.     Guildford to Run Common (5.75 miles) After over 2 miles beside the River Wey, including crossing the North Downs Way, the Path switches onto the former Guildford/Horsham railway line where it joins the Downs Link Path for almost 3 miles. Run Common to the Three Compasses (Laker's Green) (5.75 miles) Briefly beside the canal, then on farmland to cross the Cranleigh Waters, pass some giant glasshouses and then Utworth Manor, eventually noting the restored Fast Bridge before reaching the pub. The Three Compasses to Loxwood (5 miles) A couple of miles through the attractive Sidney Wood, then beside the canal for over 2 miles downhill to Loxwood, where the principal restored section of the canal is centred including the new tunnel under the B2133. Loxwood to Newbridge (6.25 miles) Beside the restored canal, sometimes sighting trip boats in season, passing two locks and an aqueduct, and on through woods and fields to reach a further mile of unrestored canal. Newbridge to Stopham Bridge (8 miles) The first 2.5 miles are beside the canal - do take time to inspect the Lording's site - then follow field paths and minor roads, passing close to the canal's junction with the River Arun; finishing at the fifteenth century Stopham Bridge. Stopham Bridge to the South Downs Way (4.5 miles) Cross the rivers Arun and Rother soon to walk beside the abandoned southern extension of the canal, then cross the Amberley Wild Brooks (beware - danger of floods), and pass through the village to reach the junction with the South Downs Way. A further 0.75 mile brings you to Houghton Bridge (Amberley railway station). The fifth edition of the guidebook to the Wey-South Path was published in October 2009. Extensively illustrated, in addition to a full description of the walking route it includes details of a dozen circular walks off the Path ranging from 3.25 to 10.5 miles in length. Copies are available from W&A Enterprises Ltd., John Wood 24 Griffiths Avenue LANCING BN15 0HW price £4.75 including postage and packing.   The Wey-South Path booklet is available from the Mail Order Goods page.   BACK

Last updated Nov 2009