Godgui one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked this from Godalming to Guildford, not much more to add to previous reviews except that Hector's Bistro at the Farncombe lock is now closed due to the retirement of 'Hector' and The Manor Inn is closed and is to be refurbished by new owners, so it could be some time before that is re-opened. An easy level walk except for a sandy eroded section close to Guildford which needs care. At Guildford I took the alternate route to the right onto the road past the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre as I wasn't sure of the status of the last section. It was easy to take a train back to Godalming as it finishes so close to the station.

*** The towpath at Guildford between the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the rowing club is still not open. (All the other reviews so far also mention this).
I’ve added a map showing the diversion. ***

It’s a lovely straightforward riverside route along the Wey navigation. There is a short stretch near Guildford where the bank is eroded and a bit tricky.
The diversion away from the river at around the half way mark, to follow the old railway path, could be treated as optional, since the riverside path continues round the loop.

I found the approach to the station at Guildford traffic heavy, with some awkward crossing points - there are better low traffic ways to reach the towpath from the station; this could be put into a new version of the route in due course.

A gorgeous, gentle route along the River Wey from Guildford to Godalming. As someone mentioned, the footpath to join the River is closed (this is March 2022), so I went on the A281 southwards and took the next footbridge to join the path. It is a very peaceful walk that should be suitable for most people, but there are a few muddy parts and one section that is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Very pleasant route. No issues with mud as we walked route after a dry spell. The route was mostly flat running along side the River Wey. The route is on rough paths so would be difficult with push chairs, etc. At the Guildford end there is work being carried out on the river weir so had to take a de-tour around which was not signposted.

A delightful route, mainly along the towpath of the River Wey. There is a delightful bistro at the start of the walk and a pub/restaurant half way along with a children's playground in the garden. The scenery is stunning and there is much of interest along the way including narrow boats, locks, a pill box and lots of wildlife. Part of the route runs along the old railway line and much of the path is National Trust land.

A lovely route along the towpaths of the River Wey and Godalming Navigations. PLEASE NOTE: The Footpath is currently closed ( May 2021) at Millbrook in Guildford due to a footbridge collapse in November 2019.No diversion signs are in place, however walkers can take a short diversion . From Godalming into Guildford cross the bridge over a small weir and continue straight ahead in front of the Guildford Rowing Club to a tall bridge. Rather than continuing left as marked, cross the bridge to the A281 Millbrook. Note the steep flight of steps on the bridge and narrow gate make this unsuitable for wheeled users. Turn left towards Guildford town and then left into side road to Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Take footpath to left of the theatre, cross the bridge at the lock and continue back to the route. Cross the bridge to the car park in front of The Brittania pub.
This route is a well trodden path with many walkers and cyclists. It can get very muddy and often rutted in places. Once the Millbrook bridge reopens, some wheeled users may still find the route has challenges. The inclines and descents at bridges and when crossing roads can be steep and uneven in places, plus some gates to navigate. Also, the sandy embankments and landslips alongside the St Catherine's Chapel have made the camber of the towpath and the undulation tricky for some.
Alternative route : Most users continue along the footpath at Broadford, rather than take the loop shown. This loop is a path but involves a section alongside a mainline railway and short but steep climbs / descents at either end of this loop. Up to the disused railway line at the Godalming end and up step steps to the pillbox at the Guildford end.
Refreshments along the route (or very nearby):
The Manor Inn, Godalming
The Parrot, Shalford (closed until late autumn 2021 for full refurbishment)
Ye Olde Ship Inn, Guildford (advise booking particularly at busy times).

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.