Walk on the Wey

The Wey Navigation Canal is one of the earliest in Britain. It runs in part on the River Wey and part along tracts cut away from the river itself. The original build dates back to 1653 to transport goods from Guildford to Weybridge, where the journey continued on to London.
Further extended in the eighteenth century, to include a stretch to Godalming, there are now over 20 miles of navigable canal to walk along. Much of the route runs through areas of outstanding natural beauty.

I'm luck to live near one of the most beautiful sections that runs from Ripley to Send. Today I decided to explore further and set off north from Pyrford. There was frost on the ground and bright sunshine. When I arrived at my starting point the ducks, which are obviously used to tit bits from passers by must have mistaken my intentions. They were more interested to see if my bag contained food rather than concern for the dogs at my heel. Two confused mutts, who are more used to flushing ducks than to be assailed, took the onslaught in their stride!

We walked a fair way before the first boat disturbed the stillness of the water. The boat was this one. A couple who must have been in their late seventies, gently paddling their boat southwards. the images that I took of them after after this would have been spectacular if they had been in focus!

Soon the canal came alive. Many canal boats and other walkers joined us. As is the custom, all cheerily greeted or stopped for a chat along the way. I returned home with a disk full of images including deer bolting towards me, a Heron fishing, oblivious to my and the dogs presence and a Kingfisher that was just too far to take without a long lens, but there was something about this couple that made my day.

I'm glad I didn't laze in bed this morning!