THRU – UK Day 4 New Bridge – Loxwood. Wey & Arun Link Canal and River Arun
As I knew from my autumn recce, as soon as I passed under New Bridge, the river narrowed and soon I was dodging around 3′ oncoming flows where clumps of grasses had established themselves. After yesterdays gardening antics I had added a 2′ panel-saw to my arsenal. Within a few hundred meters I was confronted by a succession of fallen trees across the river and those that had just grown across the river. Not to be easily thwarted, I sawed and hacked my way through as much as I could. Also sometimes ducking under and other times hauling over. Eventually I was beaten and knowing that there was a canal and canal towpath still on my left, I climbed out on tree trunks and limbs and up the bank, hauling my kayak after me. Just enough water in the canal after a further 100 metres and then a delightful seal-launch into the canal. A refreshing paddle up to the restored Malham Lock. And no water at all beyond. Set the kayak onto the trolley and wheeled it to Loves Bridge. Passing a few enticing 20 yard puddles.
Now the ‘fun’ starts! A five mile detour on the Wey South Path around a property and its’ land that adamantly refuses to grant permission for anyone to pass along the old canal route through to Drudgewick Lock. Slightly annoying as the property is owned by Mike Rutherford ex of the band Genesis and I contributed to his wealth by buying his albums back in the day!
Eventually I arrived at Drudgewick Lock absolutely knackered and with a very painful and medicated left knee. My nerves also calmed after walking against traffic on blind corners on the narrow 50mph B-road for half the distance. A fluorescent singlet in future! I must have given many of the drivers a bit of a shock. At Drudgewick, I set up a seal launch into the canal water in this restored section
Video Then Cathy and her friend and hound came by. Thanks Cathy for sending on the video you shot of me!
The canal paddle was glorious and such a treat to have got this far. Two lock portages later and I was at the Wey & Arun Canal Trust centre, Loxwood. A drink in the Onslow Arms at the canalside then off to retrieve my car by taxi. My knee is temporarily ruined. What a day. But the canal is only restored for a further 2 miles so the route to the River Wey is still an unknown. But for now, I have to see my physiotherapist and calm the knee. Back home for a rest.