Electric Canal Boat UK. Brief History, Wey Navigation, Surrey, UK. National Trust UK. Dapdune Wharf.

The river Wey was one of the first rivers in Britain to be made navigable being opened to canal boat traffic in 1653. This first 15-mile section of waterway linked Guildford to Weybridge on the River Thames thus giving access to markets for produce in London. In 1764 the opening of the Godalming Navigation gave access to an additional 4 miles upriver. The superb National Trust UK centre at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford gives the history and expresses the lives of the people that lived in this world of the “Navigations”. This short video, that can give only a brief history of the navigations, was recorded on board the Dapdune Belle, an Electric canal boat kindly donated to the National Trust by Panasonic batteries. Visitors can enter where the huge Wey barges were built and go aboard 'Reliance', one of the three surviving barges. An extremely interesting day out that was aided by meeting so many kind, enthusiastic and obviously dedicated members of the National Trust. Thank you all very much ! ! ! Email riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk Address Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR Phone: 01483 561389