River Wey and Godalming Boating – Things to do and see

The River Wey & Godalming Navigations runs from Godalming to Weybridge, just below Shepperton Lock, where the navigation meets the famous River Thames. The Wey Valley offers a rich source of natural interest and beauty, the meandering canal follows yellow fields on the North Downs and passes under the dappled shade of willow trees. These sailings have provided commercial transport and pleasure boat hire on over twenty miles of waterways connecting Surrey towns such as Godalming, Send, Farnham and Ripley with the bustling River Thames to London for over 350 years.

The River Wey offers the opportunity to walk along the towpath for a family day out, take a canal boat trip or hire a boat for a boating holiday. There are also fishing opportunities for the avid fisherman or berry picking along the canal when in season.

North of the village of Farncombe, as you follow the river navigation, you can expect to meander through beautiful countryside, past Mill Houses, meadows and St Catherine’s Hill, before arriving in the center of Guildford in a short space of time. In Guildford you can find a selection of classic pubs on the seafront. Alternatively, you can walk across the Town Bridge to the end of the main high street, where you can choose from several other restaurants, the cinema, theater and shops.

Leaving Guildford behind, sailings pass through a number of parks and gardens, including Loseley Park and Sutton Place Gardens. There is a selection of excellent walks in the area, including the North Downs Way, which runs from Farnham to Dover. The landscape becomes more rural, with an abundance of cattle fields and forests. Passing the village of Send to the village of Pyrford from Guildford, the landscape is mostly unspoilt countryside. You can find a waterfront pub next to Pyrford Lock, if you want to stop for a bite to eat.

On a weekend break during a short break on a canal boat holiday, you can expect to experience a variety of scenery that the Wey and Godalming River Navigations can offer. Take a break in one of the classic waterfront pubs and walk through some historic villages with impressive architecture. Alternatively, sailing on a charter boat for seven nights will allow you to continue your cruise past Weybridge onto the River Thames by sailing to Windsor, visiting Windsor Castle or sailing to Hampton Court and back along the picturesque River Wey.