Surrey

Guildford to St Catherine's Lock canoe trail

Four visitors explore the River Wey on canoes on a sunny day — Exploring the River Wey | © National Trust Images/Derek Croucher

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.

Near to

River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

Start point

Wey Kayak Club, Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW. Grid ref: SU996511

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.

Address
Wey Kayak Club, Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW
Directions via Google Maps
By road
From Guildford centre: Head north out of the centre on the A320, heading straight across both York Road (A246) and the A25. Cross the River Wey before turning left onto Stoughton Road and left again onto Maple Grove. Then turn right onto Riverside and you'll find The Row Barge and the Wey Kayak Club on the left. We recommend parking down by the river to the left of The Row Barge pub.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Wey Kayak Club, Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW. Grid ref: SU996511
Stage 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.
Stage 2
The first bridge you'll pass under is the A3, soon followed by the A25. Keep paddling towards a railway bridge.
Stage 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.
Dapdune Wharf
This was one of the first wharves opened on the Wey Navigation when it was established in the 17th century. A few years after the Navigation opened, London was devastated by the Great Fire of 1666. This created a huge demand for timber, needed to rebuild the city so wood become an important cargo to transport downstream to London. Then in the 1890s, the Stevens family established Dapdune Wharf as the main boat yard on the Navigation.
Stage 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.
Stage 5
From here, you leave Guildford and meander on the river into open countryside.
A male beautiful demoiselle damselfly | © National Trust Images/Phil Bruss
Stage 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
Guildford to St Catherine's Lock canoe trail map | © Guildford to St Catherine's Lock canoe trail
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Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR

01483561389

riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk

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