Wey and Arun Canal
Children will enjoy the canal and locks, as well as a waterside family pub complete with pet goats and play area on this walk.
The Onslow Arms is right next to the canal
The Basics
Time: 1hr 30mins
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 m
Terrain: Tow path, woodland, fields and short sections on quiet country lanes.
Pushchair: Pushchairs won’t make it around the full loop, but could manage a linear walk along the towpath.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk.
Refreshments: The Onslow Arms with play area, goats and canal side seating.
Toilet: There is a toilet beside the visitor centre.
Public Transport: Compass Travel route 64 from Loxwood to Horsham stops at The Onslow Arms on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as route 69 from Worthing to Alfold.
Parking: Free parking at the Wey and Arun Canal Visitor Centre, just beyond the Onslow Arms (Postcode: RH14 0RD - W3W: ///aced.grant.topped)
The boats operated by The Wey and Arun Canal Trust
An easy walk along the pretty canal side passing locks, bridges and plenty of wildlife. The walk starts and finishes at the perfectly located Onslow Arms, which was voted best pub for families in the British Pub Awards; it has seating lined up beside the canal, pet goats and a play area.
The Route
Begin the walk with the pub behind you and the water to your left. The first leg of the walk is very straightforward as it is all along the canal towpath. You will pass Brewhurst Lock, followed by Brewhurst Lane Bridge. Then next features will be Baldwin’s Knob Lock and then Barnshill Bridge. Continue until you reach Drungewick Aquaduct. At this point, the path will rise to meet a gate at the road. Turn left here and walk along the quiet country lane. Pushchairs should turn back at Drungewick Canal.
Keep going on the road until you reach Farleycopse Farm on your left. The footpath goes across the tarmac driveway of the farm, and leads to a track just after the red brick house.
The path passes a field on your right before entering trees. Ignore the first path on your right and continue until the next, narrower path on your right that is opposite a black wooden barn. Take this path and walk with a pond to your right.
This smaller path heads deeper into trees. Keep left, ignoring a right turn. Stay on this path, winding your way through the woods over streams and some steps (look out for bluebells in spring) until eventually the path opens out into a field.
Follow the path straight across the field and then keep going in the same direction, following the line of the hedge when you reach the other side. As the path heads out of the field, you will begin to see the canal reappear on your left again. When you see the bridge, cross the canal.
For a nice variation on the return leg, go straight across along the lane when you cross the bridge, rather than right along the tow path. This will take you past an attractive set of country buildings and homes. Turn right at the footpath beside the old mill. Pass the mill and old waterwheel on your right and the cross over the weir. The path will lead you back towards the canal, where you should turn left to return to the visitor centre, pub and car park.
Did you know?
The Wey and Arun Canal runs for 23 miles between Shalford in Surrey and Pallingham in West Sussex. With little freight to justify its existence, the canal was officially abandoned in 1871. Today The Wey and Arun Canal Trust are working to restore and reopen as much of the canal as possible.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one along the River Wey Navigation at Godalming, where you will find some similar scenery.
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