Alfold's lost canal
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Walk directions
From the car park, walk back towards the road and, just beyond the height barrier, turn left by a short concrete post labelled ‘SEEB Cables’. Walk ahead and keep right at the fork 300yds (274m) further on. Cross over a tarmac path and take a bridleway nearly opposite, and shortly reach a waymarker. Continue to follow the path signed ‘Wey South Path’ as it bears gently right at a fork around the edge of Fir Tree Copse.
Reach the line of the canal at a gate. Turn left and follow the towpath for 1 mile (1.6km). Notice the gentle slope after you pass the ‘Arun 13/Wey 10’ milestone, deep in Sidney Wood; it’s the only clue that this section, down to Point 5, once had eight locks.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Former canal tow path, field and forest paths, muddy after rain
Landscape
- Mainly wooded countryside, some views across farmland
Dog friendliness
- Lead required in Sidney Wood
Parking
- Sidney Wood Forestry Commission car park off Dunsfold Road, between Alfold and Dunsfold
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
As you amble through the depths of Sidney Wood, along the sinuous towpath of the long-abandoned Wey and Arun Junction Canal, you can hardly fail to ponder the significance of this overgrown, muddy trench. In the closing years of the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. The...
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Surrey is one of England’s most wooded counties, with over a quarter of the landscape designated as an official AONB and plenty of history evident in the countryside. You’ll find sandy tracks, cottage gardens and welcoming village inns, and on the fringe of Greater London you can picnic in Chaldon’s hay meadows, explore the downs at Epsom, or drift idly beside the River Thames.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
The Richard Onslow
A historic building on Cranleigh’s High Street, The Richard Onslow is a classic English village inn. Alongside a friendly old bar and snug, an elegant dining room, and a secluded courty...
The Crown Inn Chiddingfold
Set in a tranquil location in a picturesque village, The Crown Inn Chiddingfold dates back to the early 13th century. This charming property offers stylish, modern accommodation that ha...
King’s Arms & Royal
The King's Arms and Royal is in the town of Godalming, and was first mentioned in 1639. Nestled between the Surrey Hills AONB and the South Downs National Park, this charming property w...
Barnett Hill Hotel
In the heart of the Surrey Hills, Barnett Hill is a beautiful Queen Anne-style mansion dating back to 1905; it sits in 26 acres of lovingly maintained gardens and woodland, a tranquil a...
Restaurant Interlude
Restaurant Interlude boasts 10 unique and individually designed luxurious bedrooms in a beautifully restored, Grade II listed property set on a Grade I listed country estate. Enjoy unmi...
Edgeley Country Park
Within 45-minutes of central London and Gatwick Airport, but a whole world away from the stresses of everyday life, Edgeley Country Park is an idyllic retreat. Tucked away in 26 acres o...
The Kings Head
Tucked away in a tranquil village in the Surrey Hills, The Kings Head offers three very comfy and stylish bedrooms. The team are extremely friendly and the kitchen sends out delicious a...
Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite
Dedication to provide high quality camping continues at this working farm set in attractive surroundings on the edge of the quiet village of Barns Green. There are two touring areas – o...
Places to eat nearby View all
