River Wey walks: Papercourt Lock to Triggs Lock
This walk, through attractive countryside, is based on Send, where the River Wey Navigations has its navigation workshops.
Map
Start:
New Inn, Send TQ018561
1
From the New Inn, cross the road over Cartbridge and turn right onto the towpath. Pass two footbridges; the second one is Tanyard Bridge. The bridge gets its name from the old tannery on the opposite bank.
2
Continue along the towpath to Papercourt Lock. At the lock pass the cottage and take the track on the left, through a gate and onto an ill-defined path that leads diagonally across marshy ground. This can be very wet. The right of way passes under overhead lines, through a gap in the field fence near a tree and runs beside the natural river Wey.
Papercourt Lock
One of the prettiest and most remote locks on the waterway, it has a large tumbling bay to cope with the overspill water. The lock was built in 1766 and then moved to the present location in the 1780s, though why it was moved is a mystery. The nearby meadows and pools are important for wildlife, especially waterfowl.
3
Cross the next field boundary at the top right hand corner of the field by the river. Here, the path joins another path from Tanyard Bridge from the left. Bear right with the river bend and continue past the concrete structure on the left to meet Broadmead Road.
4
Turn right, over the bridge. At the mini roundabout turn left. After 250m, turn left onto the road leading to Gresham Mill. Head towards the flats or take the stile and parallel path to the right of the road (Millmoor Common).
5
At the flats, bear right along the fence, over the footbridge, through the trees, along the footpath to Runtleywood Farm. At the farm, turn left over the stile and follow the path around to reach another stile. Turn left along the track to Triggs Lock.
Triggs Lock
The name 'Triggs' derives from a local family name, several members worked on the Navigation in the 1670s. The lock cottage is like a tiny gingerbread house, where, before the early 20th-century extension, nine children were raised - we can't work out where they all slept.
6
Cross the Navigation at the lock. If the ground isn't too wet, why not take in Send church? Turn right along the towpath until you reach Wareham's bridge, and then over the fields towards the church. Once you have seen the church, retrace your steps to Triggs Lock and continue along the towpath back to the New Inn.
Take a look at Send church
This lovely little church was once a Mass chapel for pilgrims making their way to Canterbury. It is now a prominent landmark in a beautiful setting; the buildings nearby include early 16th-century hall houses.
End:
New Inn, Send TQ018561
