By the Water – Walking the Wey South Path
It’s been claimed that water has a calming effect on us. When I went to Venice, I was so laid back after two days I didn’t want to get out of bed. We flock to beaches in the summer, seaside holidays are still popular and how much better can it get than an afternoon lying in a meadow next to a gently gliding river? I don’t know why and I don’t care, I just know that water has a wonderful way of making me feel as though everything will work out fine.
Last weekend was an ideal example. After a miserable weather outlook at the beginning of the week, Saturday and Sunday turned out glorious and I took the opportunity to walk a thirty-six mile route along the Wey South Path. Leaving mid-afternoon on the Saturday, I figured on covering ten miles, leaving twenty-six for Sunday. With the long summer days, I can start early and have plenty of time to cover good mileage without rushing.
Silver Falls Hike Map Photo Gallery
The Wey South Path is a marked trail beginning from Guildford in Surrey and finishing in Amberley, West Sussex. It follows, wherever possible, the route of the old Wey and Arun Canal, passing the North Downs Way and the Sussex Border Path. Several sections have been restored by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust over many years, particularly at Guildford and Loxwood where the canal is now navigable. Built for military purposes to provide a water link between London and the south coast, it faded as the railways took over. I have walked it before and it passes within a mile of my home village. The route’s flat too, and passes local amenities where you can grab a quick bite, carrying less food in the process.
Guildford was bustling on Saturday with people taking advantage of the sun. Tourists were feeding bread to the ducks, ice cream vendors milked the wallets as I dodged prams and cyclists. The noise and trail clutter faded, the odd canoe passed me and bird chatter replaced conversation.
I intersected the North Downs Way and after two hours the path veered away from Guildford’s suburbs, flirting between shady wooded tunnels and open meadow. Buttercups and other wild flowers splashed colour as I followed a worn track through the high grass.
