FREE HIKE 19km | The River Wey Navigation Path

SUMMARY:
🥾 19 km (11.8 miles) | Point-to-point | Ascent: 158 m | ~6 hours
📍 Start: Guildford at 10:45 | 🚆 Direct train from London Waterloo
🏁 Finish: West Byfleet approx. 17:00-18:00 (with breaks)
⚠️ Varied terrain, including river and open fields
📈 Grade: Easy/Moderate

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: 10:30 at Guildford railway station
• Walk starts: 10:45 from Guildford railway station
• Walk finishes: Approx. 17:00–18:00 in West Byfleet railway station

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY:

• Total distance: approx 19 kms (11.8 miles)
• Ascent: 158 m
• Max elevation: 36 m
• Grading: Easy/Moderate
• 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