Is the Wey and Arun Canal navigable?

However, since 1970, restoration by The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has led to several miles being restored to the standard navigable by narrowboats and small tour barges.



The Wey and Arun Canal is currently only partially navigable, as it is a "lost route" undergoing a massive long-term restoration project. Historically, it was the only inland waterway connection between London and the English Channel. As of 2026, the Wey and Arun Canal Trust has successfully restored several key sections, most notably a beautiful 3.5-mile stretch near Loxwood in West Sussex, which features four working locks and several bridges. This section is navigable for small craft and is used by the Trust's public trip boats, the Wiggonholt and Zachariah Keppel. Other sections remain derelict or blocked by roads and private land, though the "Summit Level" near Alfold has also seen recent restoration. While you cannot yet sail the entire 23-mile length from the River Wey to the River Arun, the restored portions offer a peaceful, rural boating experience and a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to recreate this historic "green corridor" through the Surrey and Sussex countryside.

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The 23 mile Wey and Arun Canal - comprising of the combined Arun Navigation and the Wey and Arun Junction canal - was once the national inland waterway network's only connection to the English Channel.

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The countryside around the route of the Wey & Arun Canal is arguably amongst the most attractive for walking in the south of England. The Canal passes through the lovely woodland and open landscapes of Surrey and West Sussex, including areas of outstanding natural beauty.

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The Corinth Canal, Greece, opened in 1893, is 6.33 km (3.93 miles) long, 8 m (26 ft) deep and 24.6 m (81 ft) wide at the surface and has an extreme depth of cutting of 79 m (259 ft). It is still in use today.

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Promotional feature: The Wey and Arun Canal was built in 1816 to link the Rivers Wey and Arun to form an inland barge route between London and the south coast. It was used to transport valuable cargo (gold bullion, gunpowder, coal, bricks, chalk and agricultural produce) until the coming of the railways.

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Trail run along the length of the river Wey in Surrey, from Godalming to where it enters the Thames at Weybridge. This route starts at Borough Bridge in Godalming, which is slightly upstream of the start of the navigable river and is where the path starts to give a continuus route to the river Thames.

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Trail run along the length of the river Wey in Surrey, from Godalming to where it enters the Thames at Weybridge.

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