River Wey Navigation traffic-free cycle route

River Wey Navigation cycle route overall rating: ⭐⭐

The River Way Navigation links the Thames Path with Guildford, on a mainly traffic-free route. Most of the route is on the towpath, and towpath cycling can be tricky in places. Especially after rain, and in mid-winter, most towpath routes can be very challenging.

However, while a stunning route in its own right, the River Wey Navigation is also the link between the Thames Path and the Downs Link. In case you still didn’t realise it, combined, these three routes allow mostly traffic-free cycling from the heart of London all the way to Shoreham-by-Sea.

Surface on the River Wey Navigation

In places the surface is good, but in others it can be very muddy. While not covered in clay, like so many canal towpaths, the surface can in places still be very slippery.
Most of the route is on unsealed surfaces.

Refreshments

Refreshment stops include The Minnows pub, the Byfleet Boat Club, The Anchor pub, The New Inn, The White House pub, and various stops in Guildford.

Bikes

Because of the at-times challenging surface, you will want a gravel bike, a touring bike, a sturdy hybrid or a MTB to tackle this route.
In places the route is too narrow for trikes and most cargo bikes.

Toilets

There are toilets available at all the pubs listed under Refreshments.

Ratings

Safety: ⭐⭐
Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Refreshment stops: ⭐⭐
Barriers: ⭐⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐

Overall: ⭐⭐

The grading system I use is explained here.

Points of Interest

Spend some time at Ravenscar, looking at the town that never was.

Routes in London and Surrey

Barriers

There are at least some barriers along the route, and there are several gates. As is often the case with towpaths, non-standard bikes will struggle to use this route.

Cycle Hire

I’m not aware of any bike hire facilities on this route.

Paying the rent

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Weather forecast for the River Wey Navigation

What the River Wey Navigation looks like

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Getting to the River Wey Navigation

This is a link in the route from London to Shoreham-by-Sea, so you could simply cycle there. However, it also exists as a route in its own right.

You could also get to the start by taking the train to Weybridge station. As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train.

More Routes

To find more routes, click this link.

DayCycle

DayCycle routes are routes that can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. Many contain detailed route guides, as well as embedded maps (like the one below).

Get the GPX route file here.

1 thought on “River Wey Navigation traffic-free cycle route”

  1. Good description and information👍. Worth mentioning that this route also links to the sealed shared path along the Basingstoke Canal that takes you to Woking and beyond.

    Reply

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