Start of the Wey and Arun Canal

This highlight has notable historical significance. It shows the place where the old Wey and Arun Canal started from on the River Wey.For several decades in the 19th century the Wey and Arun Canal was a vital trade link between the south coast and the River Thames and London. The Canal was 23-miles long and linked the rivers Wey and Arun between Shalford in Surrey and Pallingham in Sussex.Commercial trade on the Wey and Arun Canal reached a peak of 23,000 tons in 1839. However, with the establishment of the railways canal trade traffic started to decrease and had virtually stopped by 1868. Although no longer looking at its best the start of the old Canal is still evident 150 years after most canal traffic ceased. Restoration of the Wey and Arun Canal is underway and it is planned that “London’s lost route to the sea” will eventually be reopened.