River Wey

The River Wey flows unostentatiously through Surrey’s stockbroker belt, providing an oasis of peace amid the helter-skelter bustle of the South East. Never outstandingly lovely, the river nevertheless boasts a number of attractive reaches and offers a quiet diversion from the River Thames.

Wealthy Weybridge – with more millionaires per square yard than any other town in England – sets the tone for the entire journey. Nearby Coxes Mill – long derelict and reputedly haunted – now serves as luxury flats.

Beyond the M25 crossing, the Basingstoke Canal leaves on its journey into Hampshire as you proceed south to Guildford – a relaxed city with a small town feel and numerous cultural attractions and lots of good pubs and restaurants. Several more miles of quiet, well-wooded Surrey countryside then accompany you to the limit of navigation at Godalming, where you can relax, enjoy a meal out and a little shopping, and then retrace your watery steps back to the Thames.

Cruising Guide

Cruising Guide to the River Wey and Basingstoke Canal is in Waterways World June 2023