The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Shalford

There’s now a fantastic cafe at the boat house, open Tuesday to Sunday, amazing coffee and sandwiches which can be enjoyed by the river, inside the cafe or to takeaway.

This 18th-century watermill is a reminder of the Tillingbourne Valley's industrial past. At the peak of industry, there were 24 known mills along the 11 mile (18 km) course of the river. Today, the mill is managed and cared for by the National Trust.

The Phillips Memorial Park is named after John George (Jack) Phillips of Francombe. Phillips died in during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, selflessly sending out a distress signal in Morse code while the ship sank. The park is home to a conservation meadow, pond and lovely riverside walks.

Lovely track along the downs link / pilgrims way

The ancient market and coaching town of Godalming's characterful boutiques and picturesque surroundings make it a lovely place to visit. For walkers there are pleasant strolls along the River Wey and more energetic hikes on the commons and in the woodlands of the Surrey Hills. There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs in the town, as well as great places to eat and drink.

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.

Plenty of benches to sit & relax river side walk close by

The River Wey is one of Surrey’s best kept secrets. Many are surprised by the rural tranquility of the river and by its scenic views, open spaces and wildlife. The prettiest part of the River Wey is arguably that between Godalming and Guildford, and in particular the 0.65-mile river section between Trowers Footbridge, Farncombe, and the Tilthams Corner Road. Here the meandering Wey offers a different rural view around each corner. It is a delight to walk on a well-maintained footpath and to observe the tranquil and interesting river and its scenic surroundings. In summer, the canopies from nearby trees add to the river’s beauty. If you are fortunate, you may see a brightly coloured narrowboat either moored or passing by. If you are interested in history, you may wish to study the lovely brick-built Towers bridge that dates from about 1770, and the well-maintained World War II pillbox situated 25m from the river just south of Tilthams Corner Road.