We have come as far south as is possible on the canal and river network. The river Wey has brought us to Godalming in Surrey. It has been a lovely cruise along this pretty, winding river since we left the Thames at Weybridge a few days ago.
Our first night's mooring.
The Wey and Godalming Navigations are owned by the National Trust, who keep the locks in good working order and the topwpaths in good repair. A fee is charged to use the waterway, 10% off for NT Members.
Coxes Mill now attractively converted to exclusive flats.
Soon we were passing under the M25, gosh it was noisy and we followed it along for a little way, it was good to get away again.
Grafitti on the bridge piers
or is it art?
Through Walsham flood gates, open as with the low rain fall, the risk is low.
The lock cottages are neat and tidy.
Newark Priory ruins beside Newark lock.
Delightfully peaceful scene though those dark skies kept bringing heavy showers
and a lot of water running over the weir here at Papercourt lock.
It's very unusual to see a duck on her nest they are usually so well hidden amongst the reeds and vegetation along the banks. This one however was well hidden from sight, in the top of one of the posts marking the entrance to a lock and very safe from Mr Fox. I only spotted her as we got close and I went to fend off the boat as we made the turn out of the lock. As Ian passed at the back of the boat, she was moving and he could see the eggs under her. We do wonder what will happen when the ducklings hatch....
It's about 4' to water level!
Coming through Guildford we met up with our nephew for lunch, he is doing research into gearbox design there for a PhD. We moored up at Shalford Meadows, had a quick visit to the shops in the town then back to cook a meal for friends who were coming to visit us for the evening. Great to be able to show them our boaty home and catch up with family news.
St. Catherine's Sands, like a beach, I guess a popular playing stop for the children on a sunny day.
Love this handsome shaggy fellow.
The Wey and Arun canal branched off here at Stonebridge wharf.
Taking the strain.
And off they go.
We walked on round the river getting narrower and shallower yet still flowing fast.
River Wey, Weybridge to Godalming - 3 days
19 miles, 14 locks
I would have been very glad to be rid of the M25 too!
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual place for a duck to nest! As you say, the drop to the water is going to prove a bit of a challenge after the hatching!