River Wey Navigations - The Wey and Arun Canal

The Wey & Arun Canal - from the Wey to Pallingham

Wey and Arun Junction Canal Title Banner
Drungewick

The canal veers away from the Arun to cross the Lox Valley
The canal at the point where it veers away from the River Arun/Chid/Lox and along the valley towards the Drungewick Aqueduct

This post denotes 8 and half miles to Pallingham
As the canal approaches Drungewick Aqueduct another milepost is evident. Clearly its 8 and half miles to Palligham. One wonders why some of the mileposts are set back on the towpath and others are on the bank of the canal itself

Drungewick Aqueduct opened 2004
Drungewick Aqueduct and bridge. The Aqueduct crosses the River Lox. The original aqueduct was a three arched affair similar to the one at Gosden, and was demolished in the 1950's. The new one has a single span that was specified by the Enviroment Agency so that the flow of water was not restricted in times of flood

Best view of aqueduct from Drungewick Lane bridge
An appreciation of the aqueduct's setting is best gained from Drungewick Lane bridge. From here one can see the River Lox, the aqueduct, the Gauging station on the River Lox (just above the aqueduct on the left) and in the distance the Drungewick winding hole.

NOTE: The River Lox is the usual accepted name, but it is also described as the River Arun on some maps, and in at least one reputable publication it is described as the River Chid. It seems both Loxwood and Chiddingfold seem to have a claim to the river's correct title. I dont know which it actually is, it seems that at least in the old days it WAS the River Arun but somewhere along the line someone has decided that it isnt the River Arun and it seems that generally it is accepted as being the River Lox. The River Arun is said to have its source in St Leonards Forest near Horsham. Just to throw things in a wobbly, the River Arun used to be called the River Tarrant! "Its Chris Tarrant here, hello and welcome to Who Wants to be a Millionaire. For 100 pounds tell us please which is the correct name for the river that flows through West Sussex"

Drungewick Lane bridge seen from the east side

Swans on the canal near Drungewick Lock
The canal as it nears Drungewick Lock. Its almost half a mile from the aqueduct to the lock. The swans used to live nearer Baldwins Lock but moved here due to dangers from mink

Drungewick Lock's balance beams are very short ones!
Drungewick Lock. The bottom gate beams are very short and (picture right) require extra weight to operate them. The lock was restored in 1989

Drungewick Lock winding hole
An attractive view of Drungewick winding hole with bridge and lock on the far side. The WACT claim that the water effect seen here (when the lock empites into the very short pound and drains over three weirs) is known as the 'Viagra Falls!' The winding hole was constructed in 2003. The excess water from the canal drains into the River Arun nearby

Drungewick section ends with yet to be restored section that needs viagra!
Immediately beyond the Drungewick winding hole the canal becomes derelict again. It seems it could do with a good dose of viagra!

Malham - Newbridge section feature will be done in due course

Next: Newbridge

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