Weybridge “Benz” via Mercedes, Navigation and Thames

A relaxing circular walk from Weybridge visiting Mercedes Benz World, strolling along the Wey Navigation and Thames Path, with a pub at the end.

The route

Leaving Weybridge station, we’ll briefly visit Mercedes Benz World (free entry) before reaching the Wey Navigation. Along the towpath, we will pass the millpond at Coxes Lock, Weybridge Town Lock and Thames lock. We’ll join the Thames Path towards Desborough Island and Walton before looping back via Broadwater Lake back to Weybridge. Whilst this is quite a suburban walk, there are relaxing stretches along the waterways.

Please feel free to join me at the Hand & Spear next to Weybridge station at the end of the walk. Dogs are welcome at the pub. I’ve booked tables; and you are welcome to stay for food if you wish - menu here https://www.handandspear.co.uk/food-drink/main-menu

The sights

Note: No dogs are allowed in Mercedes-Benz World. This walk is not suitable for dogs unless you wait 25+ minutes outside MBW or meet us after our visit by 1120 at latest. If you make your own way to MBW: exit the station, uphill on the station access road, immediate right at the roundabout over the railway bridge and immediate right through the car park. It is signposted from the southern side of Weybridge station: 20 minutes’ walk. A description and map of that walk is here: https://www.weybridgesociety.org.uk/local-info/walks/walk-to-brooklands/
Please let me know if you intend to do this. 

Mercedes-Benz World (free entry)

It’s slightly more than a car showroom. There are modest displays of vintage and F1 cars, a shop and café. Note that you won’t have time for any of the paid driving experiences today. See https://www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk . Although adjacent, we will not visit Brooklands Museum which requires several hours. The building stands within the footprint of the world’s first purpose built racing circuit built in 1907.

Wey Navigation

The Navigation was built by 1653 for transporting goods from Guildford to the Thames at Weybridge. The advent of trains reduced its role, and it is now owned by the National Trust. We will pass Coxes Lock, towering Coxes Mill (now apartments), Weybridge Town lock, some chi-chi Weybridge mansions and Thames lock before the Navigation and River Wey join the Thames at the confluence of various islands.

River Thames and Broadwater Lake

Along the Thames, we’ll pass D’Oyly Carte private Island which was home of the theatre impresario who brought Gilbert and Sullivan together. The crocodile kept here once escaped and may have inspired JM Barrie’s Peter Pan after his visits.  We may visit the outdoor bar/café, if open. Desborough Cut was finished in 1935 and its straight channel is beloved of the rowing club. The sixth Walton Bridge was opened in 2013 with its thrust-arch, not as picturesque as the second bridge painted by Turner in 1805. Broadwater Lake is over a mile long, somewhat neglected, but was created in the 1750s in the grounds of Henry VIII’s former Oaklands Palace, once almost as grand at Hampton Court.

Weybridge

Weybridge is often associated with its millionaires and private gated estates. It was founded as a bridging point for pilgrims to Chertsey Abbey, and developed further with Oaklands Palace. The column which is part of the monument to the Duchess of York (who lived at Oaklands) once stood at Seven Dials before it was demolished to discourage the cut-throats and undesirables of Covent Garden from gathering there. The Hand and Spear pub is named after the family crest of the Baron of Ockham whose summer house became a hotel with the coming of the railway in 1838.

The route (please click the link to see the route at the Ordnance Survey website). https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19412354/weybridge-loop

New Members

New members are very welcome. Please message me if you have any questions or concerns before the day. Whilst we are a very open and welcoming group, if you wish, we may be able to organise an existing member to buddy up with you before or on the day. Do also feel free to arrive early as I’m always around much earlier than the start time. 

Dogs

As no dogs are allowed in Mercedes-Benz World, you will need to wait 25+ minutes or meet us after our visit (be there by 1120). Please let me know if you intend to do this. 

The rest of the walk is suitable for dogs with towpath, river path and pavements. There are some busy roads to cross.

IMPORTANT! – Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.

(All images were taken by Alex Young.)