Guildford to St Catherine's Lock canoe trail
Discover a different side of Guildford and the surrounding countryside on this easy canoe trail along the River Wey. Cutting through the town centre, this route takes you past meadow sculptures, old railway bridges, a historic wharf, and geological formations. It also offers the chance to spot cattle in nearby fields and pretty damselflies on the river's edge. It's a linear trail, but an optional return route is provided. Make sure you have the right skills and equipment, and have checked the water and weather conditions.
Remember your licence
A licence to paddle on the River Wey is included in a Canoe England membership so don't forgot your membership. Alternatively, a portable craft licence can be bought from the National Trust online.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Wey Kayak Club, Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW. Grid ref: SU996511
Step 1
Start by paddling west upstream, with the countryside on your left and a variety of houses on your right. Keep paddling as the river meanders gently towards Guildford town centre.
Step 2
The first bridge you'll pass under is the A3, soon followed by the A25. Keep paddling towards a railway bridge.
Step 3
A little way after the railway bridge, you'll see Dapdune Wharf off to your left on the bend. Be wary of other boats on the blind bends at this point. Pass under several more bridges as you continue paddling into Guildford centre.
Step 4
As you come into the middle of Guildford, with St Mary's Wharf on your left, the river appears to fork left and right. Keep right and then head under the footbridge and up to the sluice. This is your first portage by Millmead Lock. Portage across the island and put in clear of the lock. Shortly after returning to the water, the river bends sharply right. Guildford Rowing Club is on the opposite bank so look out for rowers.
Step 5
From here, you leave Guildford and meander on the river into open countryside.
Step 6
After paddling under a wooden footbridge and around a bend, you'll reach a fork. Keep right on the main channel for about 350 yards (320m) to reach St Catherine's Lock. This is portaged on the towpath side. Back on the water, continue until you see a weir on the left. This is where the trail ends. Optional route: To return to Guildford, land on the bank between the weir and the railway bridge. Portage below the weir and into the natural river course. Follow the river back into town.
End point
Wey Kayak Club, Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW. Grid ref: SU996511
Trail map
More near here
Wey Navigation Dapdune Wharf to Cartbridge Wharf walk
Explore some of the most remote parts of Surrey's Wey Navigation waterway, taking in historic buildings and locks, on a walk that can be done either one way or there and back.
Weybridge to New Haw Lock walk
Follow the route of the last commercial barges on the Wey Navigations on this walk on the River Wey.
Papercourt Lock to Triggs Lock walk
An attractive and easy countryside walk in Send, where the River Wey Navigations has its workshops.
New Haw Lock to Pyrford Lock walk
Easy flat walk along the towpath and footpaths, this walk covers part of the Wey Navigation and the Basingstoke Canal.
Get in touch
Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR
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