It has some tough competition but has been named Surrey’s best
The walking route provides glimpses in the distance of the ruins of the historic Newark Priory monastery, which is now based in private land(Image: Lauren Cole-Lomas)
A picturesque riverside landscape not far from Woking has been named as TripAdvisor’s ‘best scenic walking area’ based on reviews from the public. The area has a history dating back centuries and has a popular pub nearby.
While Surrey seemingly has endless countryside landscapes which offer great views and walks, one comes out on top according to TripAdvisor with reviewers describing the walking area as a “picturesque place” and others suggesting it is one of them and their partner’s “favourite locations” for a country walk.
A 4.4 score out five has allowed the Pyrford Lock riverside area to grab the top spot as TripAdvisor’s number one scenic walking area in Surrey.
The Lock, which is steeped in history, offers a number of walking routes across towpaths and footpaths alongside the River Wey Navigation and the Basingstoke Canal.
On top of that, just next to the lock itself you will find a popular pub and restaurant known as The Anchor.
The pathways along the River Wey Navigation extend for miles(Image: Surrey Live / Darren Pepe)
One review of the Lock on TripAdvisor called the area “a little slice of quintessential England” and continued by saying: “Every time I come here I am struck by how small yet how perfect this place is.
“Sit by the canal, take in the canal boats moored as permanent homes. Listen to the water flow and babble. And if you time it right, watch the lock in action as boats navigate it.”
While there are likely many ways you can choose to walk around this area, The Ampling Path suggests visitors take a roughly 90 minute, six kilometre walk.
This would see you begin at the free car park on Newark Lane, walk over the Lock bridge and onto the towpaths, where, after a stroll you should see glimpses in the distance of the ruins of the historic Newark Priory monastery, which was demolished by Henry VIII centuries ago.
After reaching the Newark Lock, you should find a small gate that leads to a grassy meadow where you will cross the weir to reach a summerhouse once owned by poet John Donne, before continuing on the paths to return to the Pyrford Lock.
Pyford Lock itself has a history that dates back to at least the 17th Century. It is one of the earliest locks on England’s historic River Wey Navigation, built by Sir Richard Weston in the 1650s as part of a major project to link Guildford to the Thames.
The Anchor has some amazing views(Image: Surrey Live / Darren Pepe)
At the Lock, you’ll find the Anchor Country Pub and Restaurant, a popular establishment in its own right. With over 500 five stars reviews on TripAdvisor from a total of nearly 2000 reviews.
The canal-side restaurant logically benefits from the scenic viewpoints of the Lock and River Wey. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts a large outdoor terrace.
The Anchor is dog-friendly, serving Sunday roasts, with the menu including burgers, steak, smothered barbecue chicken, ham, eggs and chips, sausage and mash, fish and chips and chilli con carne.
A TripAdvisor reviewer on the pub from November this year said: “Great pub, very welcoming, food was awesome. The manager Mike? was super friendly, helpful and attentive. The staff were all pleasant, friendly and very accommodating. Would recommend to anyone!”