June 1st 2025

What is the Poddle?

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust, which is working hard to restore 23 miles of navigable waterway linking the River Arun at Pallingham to the River Wey at Shalford, organises a sponsored walk each year. This is the Trust’s most important fundraising event and makes a vital contribution to pushing the restoration effort forward. 

The morning walk is about 6 miles and follows delightful rural footpaths offering panoramic views and varied woodlands before meeting the Summit Level of the canal by Dunsfold Aerodrome and a restored section before lunch at Alfold. The afternoon walk, also about 6 miles, mostly follows the canal via the very scenic section through Sidney Wood, Bonfire Hanger and the restored locks at Gennets Wood, Southland and Devil’s Hole, back to Loxwood for a well-earned cup of tea and cake.

Registration is now open (click here)

Who can do it?

Almost anyone, with the exception of the very young, infirm and pushchairs as the walk has some stiles. Dogs are welcome especially if sponsored!

Enquiries to poddle@weyarun.org.uk if you have any queries or would like to receive a sponsor form.

Download a Sponsorship Form & details

Where, when, how? 

The start is at North Hall, Guildford Road, Loxwood, West Sussex, RH14 0SF. The Guildford Road is the B2133 so if you are coming from the Guildford/Bramley direction turn onto this road at Alfold Crossways, and if coming from the Horsham/Billingshurst direction take the A272 towards Wisborough Green and turn right after Newbridge. You may also take the A281 to Bucks Green and turn left onto the Loxwood Road. As you reach Loxwood turn right into Spy Lane. The hall is opposite the junction of Spy Lane and Guildford Road.

There is plenty of parking around the hall and overflow into the adjacent playing field. Please follow directions and park considerately.

Arrive between 9am and 10:30 to check in and receive your Route Guide and start walking the whole route, or only the morning route. If you only wish to walk in the morning, we will provide transport from the lunch stop back to the start .

The Route

• This year the walk will highlight:

  • The complete length of the summit level by Dunsfold airfield where significant de-silting and towpath clearance has been carried out to restore the canal to navigable condition.

  • The works at ‘Tickners Heath’ to divert the canal to enable a new road bridge to be constructed.

  • A walk along the very attractive route through Sidney Wood to the end of the summit section.

  • The recently acquired ‘Bonfire Hanger’ section where volunteers have cleared the canal bed and upgraded the towpath through to Gennets Bridge Lock and onwards to the boundary of the private section at ‘Hillcroft’.

  • The older restored lengths and locks to North Hall.

The walk starts at North Hall, Loxwood and follows a route to Alfold Village Hall for a lunch stop, where food and hot and cold drinks will be provided, before returning to North Hall. For those who prefer a shorter walk you may choose to walk either in the morning, or the afternoon only. There will be refreshment stops at Wildwood Lane in the morning, and Rosemary Lane in the afternoon.

The morning walk is about 6 miles and follows delightful rural footpaths offering panoramic views and varied woodlands before meeting the Summit Level of the canal by Dunsfold Aerodrome and a restored section before lunch at Alfold. The afternoon walk, also about 6 miles, mostly follows the canal via the very scenic section through Sidney Wood, Bonfire Hanger and the restored locks at Gennets Wood, Southland and Devil’s Hole, back to Loxwood for a well-earned cup of tea and cake.

If you only wish to walk in the afternoon come to Alfold Village Hall, Dunsfold Road, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8JB. At Alfold Crossways on the A281, take the turn for the B2133 but immediately turn right at the junction then left into Dunsfold Road. The entrance to the hall is about 100yds on the left. Arrive between 12 and 1.30pm to check in and receive your Walker’s Guide. We will provide transport from the finish in Loxwood back to Alfold

If walking isn’t for you, why not ... 

• Sponsor the Last Man, or just want to support the Poddle? Click to make a donation 

• Make cakes for the walkers?

• Help on the day as a marshal or on a refreshment point?

Please contact the Poddle co-ordinator for more information or to offer assistance - all help is greatly appreciated.

Walking as a member of a 'Team'

Did you know we offer 50/50 sponsorship? If you enter as a ‘Team’ and raise more than £200 sponsorship (minimum £25 each) we are happy to split funds equally with another charity or organisation of your choosing. If you or your organisation wish to take part as a team please register and complete individual sponsor forms as usual but please also contact the organiser, or look on our website for a ‘group’ form.

To contact the coordinator email poddle@weyarun.org.uk or ring 01483 505566

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