The Surrey Explorer
old woking to ripley
ROUTE BY PAUL MACKENZIE @ADVENTURESWIMS
‘Lose yourself in nature’ with this micro adventure that explores some beautiful, remote and historic meadows of the River Wey and its tributary streams near Ripley, Surrey. Remarkably it is only a stone’s throw from London and the M25, although once you are immersed deep in Papercourt Meadows (SSSI), surrounded by water courses on 3 sides you will feel like you have escaped to pastures much further afield! It can be a fulfilling half-day journey or reduce the route and use to break up a long car journey or just a quick escape from South West London.
You will be walking past, perhaps, the prettiest Lock Keeper’s cottage on the River Wey Navigation, traversing a natural flood plain meadow that was once the ‘playground’ of Henry VIII while staying at Woking Palace and swimming down the original course of the River Wey in the shadow of Newark Priory.
LOCATION: SURRY, ENGLAND
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.5 – 5 MILES
ABOVE DISTANCE (HIKE, RUN): 1.5 MILES (2M WITH EXTENTION)
BELOW DISTANCE (SWIM): 2 MILES (3 MILES WITH EXTENTION)
A (START): CIRCULAR ROUTE; RIPLEY
B (FINISH): CIRCULAR ROUTE; RIPLEY
DURATION: HALF DAY TRIP
DIFFICULTY: GENTLE ROUTE & PACE – LOTS OF OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE IF REQUIRED
HAZARDS: IN PLACES, SHALLOW & OTHER RIVER USERS
OS MAP: LANDRANGER 186
Before you set off, please read our safety guide and blog post on the risks of biosecurity. And here is our recommended kit list.
need to know
Start: directions and timings
Start in Sam’s Car Park, Newark Road, Ripley, 10-15 minutes’ walk from Ripley. Exit the car park heading East and you are immediately on the River Wey tow path. The full journey can be 3½ – 4½ hours depending on pace and sections completed.
Terrain:
Above: Walk upstream to the very picturesque Papercourt lock with overspill weir and Lock Keepers cottage (circa 1653). Cross the river and turn SE on the footpath across Papercourt meadows (SSSI) towards the natural river. Where the footpath and river meet is an obvious and suitable deep river entry point, known locally as unicorn beach – another entry point exists about 500m upstream as well.
Below: Once gently immersed in the river, go with the ‘boat and traffic-free’ flow downstream past the remains of Woking Palace on your LHS. Enjoy meandering through twists and turns, be aware the depth changes and can be shallow in places. A rest and picnic spot is on the RHS when a fisherman’s looking hut comes into view towards the end of the narrow natural river. From here it is only a short distance until you re-join the main river with other river craft, boats and users. This is a lovely swoosh back to where your walk started. A helpful gas pipeline marker pole of white with red top marks the exit point well upstream of the numerous weir structures – a great easy visual ‘get out here’ marker.
Extension: Another ‘explorer’s hour’ can be added for the more adventurous here, although note this does include a couple of additional notable hazards. Familiarise yourself with the map and multiple braids the river splits into, you need to exit the river on river Left (if looking downstream), walk around the weir and re-enter the water – this is Abbey Stream. The shallow stream heads North before going under the road and heading due East. Frequently the fields on either side have cattle which use the stream for crossing and drinking – so caution is needed. The remains of Newark Priory will come into view as you proceed, which in certain lights, is particularly stunning. Eventually you will re-join the main navigation again and once under the electrical pylons which cross the river there is an easy river exist is on river Right. A short walk upstream returns you to the start point.
Safety - extra things to look out for: The river is noticeably busier at weekends, holidays and extra sunny days! Be sure to be vigilant and be bright, colourful and easy to see. Respect and be kind to other river users and those fishing – there is plenty of space for all of us to enjoy the river. Submerged trees, occasional overhanging branches and shallow sections should be expected. The swans are usually polite and friendly, as are the cows, but giving as much space as possible is wise and don’t try to touch or pet the cows!
Extra kit: Over and above the Above Below kit list. A wetsuit is recommended since the gently flowing water and the reeds and riverside fauna can scratch and tickle. Footwear for walking and swimming in is essential. We always take tea and cake to enjoy during and after the journey.
Highlights - the nice bits to look out for
Above: Ripley village has many lovely cafés, on the route the lock keepers house at Papercourt lock is beautiful, as is the extensive wildlife, birds and fauna of the floodplain meadows and the tranquillity of the river.
Below: Whilst in the river you will see many blue damselflies, dragonflies and perhaps a kingfisher if you are lucky. Imagine the hunting parties from Woking Palace crossing these fields stalking deer and if you do the extension section swimming past the old Abbey is a fantastic view. When on the main navigation the canal barges come in all shapes colours and sizes, as well as varying degrees of skipper competence!
Bonus: The extension section above adds interest, although be careful of the weir and cattle. Additional swimming can take you further downstream if desired.
Getting there: Road transport is the simplest, Woking station is 3 miles away.
Kit: There is a general kit list and safety advice at the bottom of the page.
Local emergency numbers:
As with all inland adventures Emergency services can be reached via the 999 operator.
your guides
Want to give this route a go, but not ready to go it alone?
get in touch with our local guides Paul Mackenzie, @adventureswims on 07930 304312 / paul@adventureswims.co.uk or Jude Palmer of Run Surrey Hills, runsurreyhills@gmail.com
All our local guides are qualified lifeguards or swimguides with first-hand experience of the route.