River Wey Navigation: Guildford to Godalming Dog Walk
Guildford to Godalming, Surrey
The River Wey Navigation opened in 1653, making it one of the oldest commercial waterways in England, and the National Trust has managed its 20 miles of towpath since 1964. The Guildford to Godalming section is the southern half: a wide, well-maintained path that passes historic lock cottages, traditional wharves, and open meadow country with the river available for dogs at multiple points along the way. The path is surfaced and passable year-round, with no significant gradients from start to finish.
Dapdune Wharf in Guildford is the National Trust visitor centre for the navigation, with toilets, dog waste bins, and information on the history of the waterway. Dogs must be on leads at the lock areas and in the visitor garden at Dapdune Wharf. Away from the lock areas and the wharf garden, leads are not required, and the open meadow sections between Guildford and Farncombe give dogs good room to move. The river bank is generally close to water level for much of the route, making water access straightforward at informal points throughout. The Row Barge near the start in Guildford and The Ragged Robin in Godalming both take dogs and make natural bookends to the walk.
Check for ticks after walking through any of the grassland sections, particularly between May and October. Godalming Station is a short walk from the wharf and connects directly to Guildford on South Western Railway for a straightforward linear return without needing two cars.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed off-lead on the River Wey towpath?
Dogs must be kept on leads in lock areas and at the Dapdune Wharf visitor garden at the Guildford start. Away from those specific areas, the National Trust does not impose a lead requirement along the towpath between Guildford and Godalming. The open meadow sections offer the most comfortable off-lead stretches. The National Trust rates the Wey Navigation as two pawprints for dog access.
Is there parking at the start of the River Wey walk?
Dapdune Wharf in Guildford (GU1 4RR) has visitor parking. Guildford town centre car parks are also within walking distance of the wharf. At the Godalming end, parking is available in Godalming town centre near the wharf (GU7 1HR). If returning by train, Godalming Station connects directly to Guildford in approximately 12 minutes on South Western Railway.
Can dogs access the river water along this walk?
Yes. The River Wey is a flowing river navigation, not a stagnant canal, and the towpath is generally close to water level for much of the Guildford to Godalming section. There are multiple informal bank access points where dogs can enter the water safely. The National Trust does not restrict dog swimming on the navigation.
What is the history of the River Wey Navigation?
The River Wey Navigation was constructed between 1651 and 1653, making it one of the earliest river navigations in England. It was built to allow goods to travel from the Thames at Weybridge to Guildford, and later extended to Godalming in 1763. The National Trust acquired the navigation in 1964 and now manages the full 20-mile towpath. Dapdune Wharf in Guildford was the commercial heart of the navigation and is now a free visitor centre with displays on the history of the waterway and the working barges that once traded along it.
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