Ripley, a trio of locks/pub lunch Wey out to Send, Surrey

NOTE 1: Notice of road diversion. Please allow extra time:

• UPDATED Fri 20 Oct: if you are coming from the A3 southbound, you will NOT be able to enter Ripley from the Ockham roundabout. You would usually use this route if coming from the M25/junction 10/A3 to Ripley. 
• You will need to follow a diversion and you should allow extra time.
• Map of diversion and works: https://sgn.co.uk/our-gas-works/major-planned-projects/wisley-ockham-ro… and noted at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/
  Traffic is often heavy in this area anyway due to the A3 roadworks and RHS Wisley Gardens which will also be on the diversion. 
• The A3 northbound to Ripley (from Guildford) and other routes from Woking/Send should be ok. 
• Why not set out earlier and visit the High Street and cafes in Ripley?
• If you are significantly late beyond 11am, please call me on 0796 2252696 but also ensure you have a note of the route so you can catch up: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19037695/ripley-and-wey-navigation

NOTE 2: You will need a car or lift as this walk cannot be reached with public transport. Please post under Comments if you require or can offer a lift.

NOTE 3: We will stop for a pub lunch at the New Inn, Send for about 1.5 hours.  I have booked for up to 20.  No need to pre-order. If you do NOT wish to eat at the pub, please let me know beforehand. You can eat a packed lunch by the Navigation nearby instead. 

The route

Leaving Ripley and its village green, we’ll reach the Wey Navigation which we will follow for much of the walk. Along the towpath, we will pass Walsham lock and its almost thunderous weir, then Newark Priory ruins and quieter Papercourt Lock, following the Fox Way. At Cartbridge, we’ll stop for lunch at the New Inn Send.

We will continue along the tow path to Triggs Lock, passing medieval Send church. We will skirt Papercourt Lake/reservoir on the way back to Ripley village.

The sights

Ripley

The village developed as a result of the Augustinian Priory at Newark, whose ruins we will pass. Stage coaches on the main London to Portsmouth route passed here. Random fact alert: Eric Clapton was born in Ripley. Today it is beloved of pub goers and cyclists.

Wey Navigation

The Navigation was built by 1653 for transporting goods from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge. The advent of trains reduced its role, and it is now owned by the National Trust. The locks we pass include Papercourt built in 1766 and Triggs named after a local family who worked on the canal. At Worsfold Gates near the New Inn (lunch/drink stop) were the workshops for carpenters and canal repairs.

Send and Papercourt Lake

Send’s name may have derived from Old English for “sandy place” where sand was extracted. The church is where pilgrims said Mass on their pilgrimage to Canterbury and contains a Tudor gallery and dates back to the 13th century. The lake covers 45 acres with its own sailing club.

The route: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19037695/ripley-and-wey-navigation - please click the link to see the route at the Ordnance Survey website.

New Members

New members are very welcome. Please message me if you have any questions or concerns before the day. Whilst we are a very open and welcoming group, if you wish, we may be able to organise an existing member to buddy up with you before or on the day. Do also feel free to arrive early as I’m always around much earlier than the start time. 

Dogs

I love having dogs on my walks and this walk is ideal for them. There is one short section of road/pavement to walk along, but it is mostly towpath and quiet paths. A dog off the lead must be obedient. The New Inn is dog friendly.

IMPORTANT! – Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.

(All images were taken by Alex Young in August 2023 and used with permission.)