Walks
Although the site is mainly about the Wey and Arun Junction Canal it would not be complete without mention being made of the walks that can be enjoyed along the Arun Canal and the area of the Coldwaltham Cut and I have updated and expanded the walks described in My River Arun so they are much longer and more detailed.
From Newbridge the Wey South Path follows, where possible, the course of the old Wey and Arun Junction Canal to its starting point near Guildford, Surrey at the end of the navigable section of the river Wey. These walks are, once again split into sections but, living in the South of West Sussex, I have only got as far as Rosemary Lane some way past Loxwood so far.
Following this path you will come across more examples of restoration work done by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust and also a beautifully restored section between Drungewick Lock and Loxwood on which they run short and longer canal trips for the general public. This section was due to be extended further north when with the opening on 17th April 2010 the section between Loxwood and the restored Devil’s Hole Lock. A great day was had and boats travelled up to the lock for the first time in 130 years. Sadly though it leaks and until this the is fixed section cannot be used.
As I continue my explorations northward I will add more walks to this section.
This walk follows on from the Stopham Bridge to Newbridge walk which is the last walk on my sister site My River Arun. Following a restored section of the canal to Rowner Lock, where there was once a water mill and lock keepers cottage, and leaving the canal vial Loves Farm Bridge. Once again, due to access issues the path is forced to take a long detour before before rejoining the canal at Drungewick Bridge. This doesn’t mean to say that some of this path isn’t attractive to walk along because it is and there is on opportunity to take a slight detour and re-visit a section of canal and a lock. From Drungewick it is a lovely walk along the restored canal passing locks and bridges until you eventually arrive at the Onslow Arms, Loxwood. Or, once again, you could take a detour down the permissive footpath to Drungewick Lock before heading to Loxwood.
Restored Section of Canal: 2009
A lovely winters day when I embarked on this walk. Obviously things look totally different when there is a layer of, virtually undisturbed, snow covering the ground. It also gave me an opportunity to walk down to Drungewick Lock which I had not visited before. One thing I hope to do is record the changing of the seasons along this and other sections. To avoid the risk of repetition this page is presented, mainly, as a series of photographs with just a few comments. A little more information is given about Drungewick Lock.
Incidentally it is near the lock that we finally part company with the river Arun which turns east and heads towards its source, a series of small streams (known locally as ghylls or gills) in St Leonard's Forest near Horsham.
Drungewick Aqueduct & Bridge: Jan 2010
From the Onslow Arms you first walk under what must be the WACT’s biggest undertaking to date, with the help of local contractors, this being the rebuilding of the road bridge on the B2133 so the canal and boats could, once again, pass under it. This will mean that the long navigable section already in existence here can be extended further northward. The path takes you past Devil’s Hole Lock (re-opening on April 17 2010 after restoration) and on past some sections of canal that have been partially restored but not yet useable and along some stretches that are not. Like a lot of this canal this section is very rural and does not pass any major settlements, villages or hamlets the nearest places being Ifold to the south and ,at the end of this stretch, Alfold to the north east.
Restored Section of Canal: 2009
Starting at Newbridge, where once a thriving wharf, with storage facilities and Lime Kilns existed the walk follows the course of the canal, where it still exists, down to the restored Lordings Lock and along the recently cleared section of canal where a small boat rally was recently held (pictured left).
From the end of this section the walk continues through some woods and the beautiful West Sussex countryside with the River Arun never far away. Arriving at the swing bridge at Haybarn the path takes a long detour before arriving at Pallingham, another site of intense activiety in canal days, finishing at Pallingham Lock where the canal joins the River Arun.
Restored Section of Canal: Sept 2011
Easy to reach on foot from either Pulborough or Amberley or by parking near the ancient Greatham Bridge, the Coldwaltham Cut is another picturesque section of the old Arun Navigation, bordered by Waltham Brooks and the River Arun in the south and the River Rother in the north.
Built to avoid the three and a half mile loop in the river the cut went straight under Hardham Hill before entering the River Rother a short distance from the River Arun just below Stopham Bridge.
The Cut South of Greatham Bridge: Jan 2010
