Basingstoke Canal
Regarded as one of the most beautiful waterways in Britain, the Basingstoke Canal traverses the Borough from Brookwood to West Byfleet. It was built between 1788 and 1794 to open up routes from London to the coast but was never completed past Basingstoke.
A two-mile stretch from the Wheatsheaf Bridge in the town centre to Kiln Bridge, St Johns, features several bridges, two locks and abundant wildlife and can be accessed from Woking town centre. This stretch is also a conservation area. Alternatively you can access an additional stretch from Boundary Road to Sheerwater which has remains of industrial heritage.
Directions
From Jubilee Square, walk along Gloucester Walk and cross Victoria Way to reach the Bedser Bridge over the canal. Access is also available via Boundary Road and Monument Bridge to the east of the town centre.
Contact
Phone: 01252 370 073
Email: info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk
Read more about the Basingstoke Canal, including events and activities
Activities and boat trips are available seasonally from the canal centre. Guided walks by canal rangers can also be arranged.
The River Wey Navigations
The River Wey provided an essential link with London via the River Thames. It was one of the first rivers in the country to be made navigable; an Act of Parliament in 1651 enabled the stretch from Weybridge to Guildford to become usable and the Wey Navigation opened in 1653.
Built by local land owner Sir Richard Weston, it flows through Woking's villages at West Byfleet, Pyrford and Old Woking. At Pyrford there is a working lock and the Send section has rich wildlife, Triggs Lock and the site of a rural wharf. The river is a conservation area.
Directions
By road to the junction of Lock Lane and Wisley Lane for Pyrford Lock. There is a car park opposite The Anchor public house. The Send section is accessible by foot from Send village.
Contact
National Trust Wey Navigation, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford
Phone: 01483 561 389
Email: riverway@nationaltrust.org.uk
Read more about the Wey Navigations and Dapdune Wharf
The Visitor Centre at Dapdune Wharf has exhibitions, displays and models. Boat trips and boat hire are offered at Byfleet Boat Club, as well as from Dapdune Wharf and Guildford Boat House and horse-drawn trips run from Godalming Wharf.