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River Wey and Godalming Navigations

The Wey Navigation runs from the junction with the River Thames at Shepperton to Guildford, where it is joined by the Godalming Navigation, that runs to a terminus at Godalming.

Map showing the River Wey and Godalming Navigations and surrounding waterways

Facts & Stats

15.3 miles

(24.6km)

The length of the River Wey that is navigable. The Godalming navigation is 4.2 miles (6.8 km).

12 locks

On the River Wey

There are also 4 locks on the Godalming navigation.

1651

Year opened

An act of Parliament opened the River Wey to Guildford.

From the River Thames to Godalming

Between 1618 and 1620, Sir Richard Weston carried out the first improvements to the River Wey on his own land. An Act of Parliament in 1651 opened the navigable River Wey to Guildford. This was extended to Godalming in 1760 and, in 1796, the Basingstoke Canal brought extra traffic. Yet, despite the completion of the Wey and Arun Canal in 1816, trade was poor and the Wey became neglected.  

In 1912, the river was purchased by William Stevens and in 1964 his son gave it to the National Trust.

Waterway notes

Maximum boat sizes

  • Length: 73′ 6″ (22.4 metres)
  • Beam: 13′ 10″ (4.2 metres)
  • Height: 6′ 0″ (1.8 metres) – Godalming Navigation
  • Draught: 3′ 0″ (0.9 metres)

Navigation authority

The National Trust

Branch

Waterway underfunding

Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.

Sustainable Boating

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Waterways Heritage at Risk

Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.

You can help Save Waterways Heritage.

Waterway restoration

Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.

LOVE YOUR WATERWAYS

Britain's waterways are vital; together we can campaign for them now and for the future.