Have not done much walking over the past couple of months as I have been too busy with Koi Shows and family events. So it is now time to start where I left off and complete the Wey-South Path.
A leisurely start this morning as I did not know what the weather was going to be like, but after breakfast it looked as if it was going to be dry and pleasant. Martin drove me to Rosemary Lane in Alfold; it was then ¾ mile to High Bridge where I finished walking last time. It was now 10.30. This section of the walk in on the towpath and follows the canal, albeit dry to Loxwood.
After 1 ½ miles I crossed the county boundary and was now in Sussex, and shortly after crossed the Sussex Boarder Path – another long distance trail. As I rounded the bend I could hear diggers and saw lots of building materials and wondered what was going on. When I got nearer to the site, I was amazed that the Canal Trust were renovating Southland Lock (Lock VII), and after reading the notices, learnt that the plan is to finish the work by the end of the year and then fill the canal with water.
The digger was in fact a dredger that was clearing out the canal to the south. Stopped and chatted to a couple of the guys who were supervising the works, and then continued on towards Devil’s Hole Lock.
During the winter of 1997 / 98 the canal was dredged and lined from Devil’s Hole Lock to Loxwood Lock.
Continuing a short distance to Loxwood Lock and the new tunnel under the B2133
In May 2009 the tunnel under the B2133 was finally opened.
They are now also building a new visitor centre behind the Onslow Arms.
Continuing southwards along the towpath it is only a very short distance to Brewhurst Lock, which was restored in 1996 and Brewhurst Bridge, which was rebuilt in 1994.
Continuing through the woods along the towpath to Baldwin’s Knob Loch, which was rebuilt in 1991 / 93 and on to Barnsill Bridge, newly built in 1989.
All these Locks and Bridges are quit close together.
It was now 12 noon and 4.58 miles walked, there was a nice seat beside the canal with a lovely view of the bridge, so decided to stop here for lunch.
There were now a few spots of rain but nothing to worry about. About half a mile further on the navigable part of the canal comes to an end just before Drungewick Aqueduct which was rebuilt in 2002 along with bridge and lock.
During this part of the walk there were several places where there the giant Hog Weed grows, and all that was left now was the enormous seed head.
The towpath & permissive path ends here and the walk is now on a short stretch of road, followed by footpaths and bridleways which do not follow the canal.
Turned left onto the bridleway past Crabfields Farm and through the woods. As you walk through the gate and out of the woods, there is a large open field in front of you with spectacular views of the South Downs.
It was so clear you could see Chanctonbury Ring. The path now goes through Malham Farm and turns to the left and goes between two lakes, which they believe may have at one time been reservoirs for the canal. Walk along the edge of another couple of fields.
There were some quite dark could bubbling up in the distance, but still warm and sunny.
Follow the path though the woods past some fields with lots of Alpaca in them, then out on to the B2133.
Walk along the road for about ¼ miles and then turn left onto the bridleway signposted Loves Farm, followed the path to the left before the farm, and right shortly afterwards through a gap in the hedge – not signposted very well, across the field behind the farmhouse, and into the woods. On exiting the woods there was a field full of 7ft high maize. At the bottom of the field was a gate leading over the bridge.
This was Loves Bridge and I was now back on the canal. Loves Bridge is supposed to be the prettiest bridge on the entire canal. It was now 13.45 and had walked 8 ¾ miles so stopped here for a while for a snack and to take some photos.
Loves Bridge was rebuilt between 1974 and 1976 and again refurbished in 1992.
Now back on the towpath, and passed Rowner Lock. This lock has also been refurbished and bought back memories, as the Diving Club Martin & I used to belong to was asked back in the early 80’s to do a survey dive in this lock.
The next field had cows in it , and as I had be chased by cows earlier today I was a bit on edge, as these cows also had horns!!! but these were too busy eating.
I was busy looking at the Northlands lifting bridge when a Kingfisher flew along the water – great to see.
It was now quite grey and cloudy and the end was in sight as I could see the bridge arches of Newbridge.
I reached Newbridge on the A 272 at 14.25 and 10.1 miles logged. It was just starting to rain – enough to get waterproof jacket out. I phoned Martin to let him know I had finished today’s walk and ask the train times from Billingshurst to Horsham. The heavens opened. I had just reached Billingshurst High Street and about to turn towards the Station when Martin called to say, start walking towards Five Oaks and he would come and pick me up.
By the time he met me at the junction of the Bypass, it had now just about stopped raining and I had walked another 2 miles, but at least I did not have to sit at a station and wait for a one per hour train.
To complete this trail I just have to walk the final section from Newbridge to Amberly, which will hopefully be in the next couple of weeks – subject to weather.
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