The Wey to Navigate

BILLINGSHURST TO HASLEMERE VIA THE WEY AND ARUN CANAL, LOXWOOD AND HOG WOOD

Somehow the Wey keeps drawing me back. My need for water is clearly operating on a subconscious level and although the waterways are providing little relief in the hot weather, they do lend a calmness and the practical suggestion of a required leisurely pace.

 

This was a route to span the gap between the two towns that connects the water with the woods. We have shade and canal boats.

 

Billingshurst can be made via Three Bridges or Gatwick Airport and return from Haslemere means a train to Clapham Junction.

 

From the north side of the station, head west on Myrtle Lane on the Sussex Diamond Way. At the end of Myrtle Close, the path bears left next to the track. At Natt's Lane, turn right and then go right at the junction. This is Stane Street. Leave the ancient road on Luxford Way. Enter the playing field and cross to the far side. There is a gap which allows you onto the path behind the hedge. Bear left to the edge of the Billingshurst Bypass. Turn left and then steps go up to the road itself. Cross carefully and go right with path. This then turns west through the horse fields to the Lordings Road. At the edge of this field, the buzzards were having some kind of conversation. I stood for a while, trying to figure it out.

 

Turn right at the field edge and then exit to cross to Guildenhurst. This footpath will cross the Arun and then you turn right with the Wey and Arun Junction Canal on the Wey South Path. This is the second of two canals that extended the navigation from Newbridge up to Stonebridge Wharf south of Guildford on the Godalming portion of the river Wey, in 1813. The Arun Navigation preceded this and had given trading vessels from the south coast access to Newbridge Wharf and was opened in 1787.

Here, cross the A272 and continue on the towpath. I remembered I had been here before and that there is a cafe just round the corner. It was too early for me. The proximity of the railway is poignant because its arrival meant the demise of the commercial activities of the waterway. The 1970s saw some volunteers get together for the canal's restoration by way of the Trust.

 

The Wey South Path will take you over the canal to Loves Farm and then Newpound Road. Follow the road away from Newpound Common and then cross and join the path at the side of the road. The bridleway turns into Smale Copse and Hanger before swinging north again towards Malham Farm. The Drungewick fields and woods will guide you through to the Lane to follow as far as the aqueduct. This carries the canal over the Lox. The Wey & Arun Canal is a waterway of dedications and donations to fans and volunteers and this stretch has been heavily restored. Locks, windings, slipways, furniture and ample interpretation line the route. Further on, the water is navigable and boats are moored in places. Giant hogweed also appears made itself at home on the water's edge.

 

After Brewhurst Mill and Farm, you reach the Trust's visitor centre and the Onslow Arms on the south of Loxwood. I hovered and watched as the grey-haired emptied off a bus to take a boat trip. Once loaded, the pub opened and I had an entertaining lunch. Continue on the towpath as it winds north then leave the navigable route for the Iford Bridge Lane. Turn right at the junction with The Lane and follow it into the trees at the Forestry Commission's Hog Wood. Enter at the sign and the path parallels the Border Path before rejoining it further on. You could explore much more in here but we stay with SBP for the foreseeable until Cripplecrutch Hill.

 

Turn left at the road and then rejoin the bridleway on the other side. Back withe South Downs National Park, take to Jobson's then right into Jay's Lane. Leave the SBP to return north on another bridleway, just short of Black Down. Turn left on a footpath into Hearne Copse. Cross some gallops and turn right at the far side on the Serpent Trail. Turn left on the Petworth Road and then continue north. You come upon the Longmoor Wood Circular Path and Swan Barn Farm, managed by the National Trust.

 

Turn right to reach the 17th century dipping well that was used up until the 19th. It is not suitable for drinking. Take to Well Lane and you reach Haslemere High Street. West Street will take you through to Tanners Lane where you turn left. Turn right at Lower Street and you reach the station.

 

My timing was quite good.