Saturday 14 November 2009

Wey Navigation Walk (Part 2)

Continuing from my earlier post; first a little bit of history. The River Wey was one of the first rivers in England to be made navigable. The canal was built by Sir Richard Weston, beginning in 1635 and completed in 1653. 20 miles long overall the Wey Navigations were used for transporting barge loads of heavy goods (timber, corn, flour, wood and gunpowder) up the canal via the Thames to London with coal being brought back. From 1900 to 1963, it was owned by the Stevens family, who were commercial carriers on the canal. It was then donated to the National Trust in 1964. Commercial traffic ceased in 1983.


The waterway is properly called "The Wey Navigation", as large sections of it are the canalised parts of the River itself. However, equally, there are long sections of canal "Cut", which are separate from the actual River Wey, so it is a moot point as to which terminology is the more correct. So here are some views taken on my recent walk.


I have seen barges running aground here for not following the sign!

Quiet waters.

Weekend water users get a view of Send Church.


Send Bridge & time to turn back.

 A stately Oak in the riverside meadow.

Mistletoe growing everywhere, ready for the festive season.

Waterside colours

The path back to Bowyers Lock.

Part 3 coming soon when I will share my few wildlife sightings during this walk.  FAB 

17 comments:

  1. Wow, awesome post! I esp. love the oak tree, that's beautiful!

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  2. This would be a wonderful way of getting around. My ideal life would be in those European canals, traveling from city to bity on a little houseboat....that is besides being in the African bush of course. :)

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  3. What a great looking place, so peaceful & Tranquil and the images portray it to its full beauty. Just the spot for a slow stroll with a camera. Nice one Frank

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  4. Fascinating! Your photos explain what I have only read about before.

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  5. It looks a great place to walk Frank.

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  6. Looks like a pretty place for a walk. Great photos. Happy skywatching.

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  7. Feels like you've taken us on a journey. Must have been a great walk with so many different aspects to view.

    Kind Regards

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  8. Seems a great place, thanks to your wonderful series of images.

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  9. A very interesting walk you had, Frank. I like the autumn days with bare trees and yet the grass is still green. Looking forward to episode 3.

    cheers,
    Wilma

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  10. Jann. When the leaves have fallen the trees unveil their structural beauty.

    Joan. Chug, chug..a fairly peaceful way to travel slowly & enjoy the countryside, but it's warmer where you are at the moment!

    Monty. I feel this is an area I will explore more regularly in the future. Lots of potential.

    Mick. Cheers, I'll try and do this more often just for you.

    Roy. Couldn't agree more.

    eileeninmd. Skywatching! well only if the weather improves a lot.

    Shirleyanne. Hopefully a few more strolls in the coming months to share with you.

    T and S. Thanks Thomas, always appreciate you stopping by & commenting.

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  11. Hi Wilma. Thank you. I need to take more pics of trees thro' the winter to show the beautiful shapes & structures. Part 3 coming very soon. FAB

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  12. Lovely autumnal views here Frank and well done with the Jack Snipe sighting on the previous post.

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  13. Thanks Jan. Yes, very pleased with the 'Jack' sighting and hoping for lots more species when we are away next week.

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  14. Cracking post Frank. I'm playing catch up.
    Something about lakes and rivers, and you've captured the river perfectly.
    Love that B&W shot. Could almost have been taken 50 years ago.

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  15. Keith. Thanks my friend, glad to oblige. If it wasn't for everyones 'garb' it could all have been 50 years ago..except for the parakeets!

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  16. Very idylic post.

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  17. Steve B. Cheers my friend.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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