Wey and Arun Canal
Children will enjoy the canal and locks as well as Britain’s best family pub complete with pet goats on this walk.
The Onslow Arms is right next to the canal
The Basics
Time: 1hr 20mins
Distance: 3.76 miles
Terrain: Tow path, woodland, fields and tiny road road sections
Pushchair: Not for the full loop, but the tow path would be fine
Dogs: Yes
Refreshments: The Onslow Arms with play area, goats and canal side seating
Toilet: There is a toilet beside the visitor centre
Public Transport: Compass Travel route 64 from Loxwood to Horsham stops at The Onslow Arms on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as route 69 from Worthing to Alfold
Parking: The initial parking area you will see is for the pub; the visitor’s free car park is at the far end, near the visitors centre (Postcode: RH14 0RD - W3W: aced/grant/topped)
The boats operated by The Wey and Arun Canal Trust
An easy walk along the pretty canal side passing locks, bridges and plenty of wildlife. The perfectly located Onslow Arms was voted best pub for families in the British Pub Awards.
The Route
Begin the walk with the pub behind you and the water to your left. For this first section, stick to the tow path passing locks and bridges along the way. This section of the walk is complete when you arrive at the aquaduct and a gate leads to a road.
At the road, turn left and walk down a dip and then over a stream. Continue up the hill and turn left at the footpath sign going through Farleycopse Farm.
The footpath will take you past the farmhouse and between two fields. Soon the path enters trees. You should turn right off the path immediately after a pond.
This smaller path heads deeper into trees. Veer left at a fork through the pine trees. Keep on this path until it opens out into a field.
Follow the path across the field and along the hedge on the other side. As the path heads out of the field, you will begin to see the canal on your left again. When you see the bridge, cross the canal.
For a nice variation on the return leg, go straight across along the lane when you cross the bridge, rather than right along the tow path. This will take you past an attractive set of buildings. Turn right at the footpath beside the old mill. Follow the path back towards the canal and then turn left at the water to return to the visitor centre, pub and car park.
Did you know?
The Wey and Arun Canal runs for 23 miles between Shalford in Surrey and Pallingham in West Sussex. With little freight to justify its existance, the canal was officially abandoned in 1871. Today The Wey and Arun Canal Trust are working to restore and reopen as much of the canal as possible.
We are passionate about keeping The Ambling Path as a free resource available to everyone, forever. If you have enjoyed using our walking guides, then please consider leaving us a donation. This will help to cover our costs as well as rewarding the considerable time and effort needed to maintain the site. Thank you.
