Name: FREE HIKE 19km | The River Wey Navigation Path
Start: 2025-06-28T08:30:00.000Z
Location: Waterloo train station London

**SUMMARY:**
🥾 **19 km \(11\.8 miles\) \| Point\-to\-point** \| **Ascent: 158 m** \| **\~6 hours**
🚆 **Direct train from London Waterloo**
⛳️ **Meeting Point:** 2 Options
**1-** London Waterloo station Ticket Office \| **09:30** (Train is at 09:45)
**2-** Guildford outside train station \| **10:30**
📍 **Hike** **start:** Guildford train station \| **10:45**
🏁 **Hike** **finish:** West Byfleet \| approx\. **17:00-18:00**
⚠️ **Varied terrain, including river and open fields**
**📈 Grade: [Easy/Moderate](https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/difficulty-grades/)**

**ABOUT:**
This rewarding 19 kilometre route begins in the historic town of **Guildford**, Surrey, and follows a picturesque path through some of the county’s most charming landscapes. Taking around five to six hours at a relaxed pace, the walk offers a rich variety of scenery that captures the essence of the English countryside.

You will meander through open meadows and quiet country lanes before joining the peaceful towpaths of the **River Wey Navigation**. Along the way, the route passes **historic locks**, narrowboats gently bobbing on the water, and the soothing sounds of cascading weirs.

One of the standout moments of the journey is the sight of **Newark Priory**, a haunting twelfth century ruin set against wide, open fields. It is a vivid reminder of the area's medieval heritage.

With abundant wildlife and ever changing riverside views, this trail offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

**HIGHLIGHTS:**

* **Bowers Lock and Historic Oak:** As you approach Bowers Lock, look out for a 300-year-old oak tree, a silent witness to centuries of river history. Informational boards nearby provide context about the area's significance
* **Newark Priory Ruins:** Between Papercourt and Walsham Locks, catch glimpses of the evocative ruins of Newark Priory across the fields. Though on private land and not directly accessible, the view is a poignant reminder of the region's rich past.​
* **Walsham Lock and Pyrford Place:** Crossing the bridge at Walsham Lock, you'll notice an unusual building on the opposite bank, part of Pyrford Place. This structure is reputed to have been used by Elizabeth I and John Donne
* **Pyrford Lock and The Anchor Pub:** A popular spot for walkers.

**TIPS:**

* **Wildlife Watching:** The route is rich in birdlife; keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers, and red kites soaring overhead.​
* **Trail Conditions:** While the path is generally well-maintained, sections can become muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended.​

**COST:**

* Free

**TRAINS:**

* **Outbound:** **09:45** from London Waterloo (direct train)
* **Arrival:** **10:24** at Guildford

**MEETING POINT & TIME:**

* **Meet:** 2 options
**1-** London Waterloo train station Ticket Office \| **09:30**
**2-** Guildford Outside train station \| **10:30**
* **Hike start:** Guildford train station \| **10:45**
* **Hike finish:** West Byfleet train station\| Approx\. **17:00–18:00**

**DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:**

* **Total distance:** approx 19 kms (11.8 miles)
* **Ascent:** 158 m
* **Max elevation:** 36 m
* **Grading:** **[Easy/Moderate](https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/difficulty-grades/)**
* **Time:** Approx. 6 hours (with breaks)
* **Pace:** 4 km/h (\~2.5 mph)

**GUIDE:**

* See attendee list
* The host will be waiting for you just outside the main entrance of Guildford railway station.

**WHAT TO BRING:**

* Water (2 litres recommended)
* Snacks and packed lunch
* Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing
* Sturdy shoes or hiking boots

**SAFETY:**
**⚠️ As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk.**

**NOTES:**

* This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join.
* A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun!
* While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together.
* Food options are limited en route, bring lunch.

**DISCLAIMER:**
**Event Participation Disclaimer**
By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

* The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines.
* These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals.
* The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation.
* Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
* These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved.
* Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions.

**General Group Policy**

* **Voluntary Participation**: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability.
* **No Professional Duty of Care**: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals.
* **Insurance Is Your Responsibility**: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance.
* **Respect Nature**: Follow *Leave No Trace* principles at all times.
* **Emergency Preparedness**: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan.
* **Weather and Safety**: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe.
* **Self-Assessment Required**: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group.
* **No Guaranteed Rescue**: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected.
* **No Minors Without Guardians**: Participants must be over 21.
* **Right to Refuse Participation**: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others.
* **First Aid Preparedness Encouraged**: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters.

**Final Acknowledgement**
By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred

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FREE HIKE 19km | The River Wey Navigation Path

Waterloo train station London

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