The Wey & Arun Canal - from the Wey to Pallingham
Through Sidney Wood (1)
Forestry Commission's sign for Sidney Wood. Who or what was Sidney? The earliest records show the area belonged to a John de Sydenie, and later William atte Sydney. The area was originally called Sydneywoode
The Wey and Arun's course through Sidney Wood is a sinous one with a mixed bag of restored and unrestored sections. This section is challenging in terms of restoration because the classic route between Lock 16 and High Bridge probably has to be replaced with an entirely new alignment. From Tickners Heath there is good walking along the canal all year round through the woods as far as Lock 16. The remainder of the towpath to Knightons Lane is extremely muddy in winter.
As the canal enters Sidney Wood there is a milepost installed by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust. This one denotes 9 and half miles to the Wey and 13 and half miles to the Arun
This section of canal was restored to cruising standards in 1998/9. This restoration work included Culvert 1 below. As mentioned earlier the canal had to cross a number of very high ravines, which resulted in the culverts being a considerable depth below the level of the canal itself
The restored culvert #1 with the canal high above
The course of the canal through Sidney Wood as far as Knightons Lane is part of the Wey South path
Wide and clearly defined channel in Sidney Wood on the first of the sharp bends leading to the top lock
Attractive stretch near Culvert #3. Sidney Wood is one of those places that is at its best in the winter
The restored culvert #3 (on the right) with the overflow weir culvert at the top
The canal as it widens out to form the winding hole above the top of the Sidney Wood locks (Lock 16 which is sited behind the photographer) However it is possible that the canal will have to adopt a new alignment heading south-east to High Bridge (to the right) that includes a tunnel
Bramley Linersh Run Common Elmbridge Fast Bridge Tickners Heath Fir Tree Copse Sidney Wood
Gennets Wood Devils Hole Loxwood Drungewick Newbridge Lordings Pallingham The Feeder Map