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HOURS: 2-4
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DISTANCE: 7.2 miles (11.5km)
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STYLE: RIVER
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MONTH ATTEMPTED: JULY
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SUP RATING: **
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MEANDER THE WEYThe Wey is a slightly odd river being that it officially has two sources, one in West Sussex and the other in Hampshire. This is owed to the fact that the two streams develop very swiftly into a fully fledged river in the Surrey village of Tillford. Confusingly both are referred to as the River Wey, however, to differentiate between the two they are divided into separate branches: North and South. The North branch begins life in Alton, Hampshire whereas the South sprouts out from between Blackdown and Hasselmere. The river flows mostly through Surrey until it joins the mighty River Thames just past Weybridge (where the River adopts its name).
This route is specific to the section downstream of Guildford and is more of a meander/explore paddle then a journey. We loaded in at a tiny carpark* near Ripley and paddled up stream for around 3 miles, taking the first left fork towards and portaging Papercourt Lock and continued to the next fork in the river where we double-backed and stopped at The New Inn pub. This pub has a large beer garden that backs directly onto the towpath that borders the river. This pub has a great menu, facilities and ample space on the towpath to lean your board against the wall within sight. We went during the relaxing of COVID restrictions and it was well set up, just remember to carry anti-bacterial hand gel (a standard kit item for the paddle boarder). On the return leg, continue past the loading in point, under the bridge and portage around the National Trust Newark Lock. From here take the left fork. Not long after you will reach another fork, take the left to double-back on yourself to see the ruined Newark Priory** - it's is definitely a sight to behold even on a wet day like we had. On a summers day it really is a spectacular view! This fork leads to a dead end so turn around after a good look at the Priory and rejoin the river (keep left as right will take you back to the loading in point). Continue down the river as it meanders towards Ripley Weir at the edge of Pyrford Golf Club, take the left fork towards a disused lock (no portage needed)***. This is where we turned round and meandered back towards the loading in location. This is a lovely 2-4 hour meander/explore paddle suitable for all abilities with a pub serving refreshments. Perfect if you have a few hours to kill. |
TYPE OF TRAIL: Meander and Explore
(7.2 miles / 11.5 kilometres) PORTAGES & LOCKS: 2 
GENERAL INFORMATION* = The Car Park (Ripley - GU23 6DP) is small but free. There is only room for about 5 cars. There is a height limit on entry so vans will not be able to gain access. The river is a short stroll away and the perfect place to load in.
** = This fork gets very shallow, very quickly. Make yourself aware of the depth as you could beach yourself pretty easily and damage your board. *** = It goes without saying but keep well away from the weir. Weirs are dangerous to the paddle boarder. |
