Go for a poddle

Published: Thursday, 06 April 2017

ONCE again the Wey & Arun Trust is organising its annual 'poddle', to raise funds towards the canal's ultimate restoration.

 It gives people a walk in beautiful countryside viewing hidden heritage sites and is on offer from the Trust.

Free lunch and refreshments

 A detailed guide to the route is provided together with a free lunch and refreshments including tea and cake along the way.

 In return for a great day out in the Arun Valley, walkers raise a minimum of £20 each for the Trust in sponsorship.

 Everyone is welcome to join in the event—known as the Poddle—on Sunday, 4th June. The picture shows walkers taking part in last year's Poddle.

 Community groups

 A bonus for community groups is that they can raise money for their good causes through a 50/50 sponsorship option, without having to do any of the organising. Teams of walkers which collect more than £200, a minimum of £20 each, split their proceeds equally with the Trust.

 The annual Poddle supports the restoration of ‘London's Lost Route to the Sea', a waterway which ran from Pallingham in West Sussex to Shalford in Surrey.

 12 miles route

 This year, walkers will follow a 12 miles route around the Arun Valley, starting and finishing at Ingfield Manor School at Five Oaks, north of Billingshurst, with lunch at Wisborough Green Scout Hut.

 The route includes the canal from Loves Bridge, past Rowner Lock—the site of the first volunteer working party on the canal—to Lordings. Walkers will be able to see a unique waterwheel and a restored aqueduct.

 Malham Lock

 After lunch, the route heads across farmland and past the partially restored Malham Lock then through woodland back to the school.

 Walk co-ordinator Margaret Darvill explained:

 "We welcome everyone who would like to support the canal restoration through an enjoyable day in the country. Walkers can do half the route, either the morning or the afternoon, if they wish.

"Our 50/50 arrangement particularly benefits groups such as the scouts and guides and other young people's organisations. We make all the arrangements, they help themselves and the trust while enjoying a day out in some lovely countryside."

 Individuals and groups can register to join the Poddle at www.weyarun.org.uk/events. For more information, call Margaret on 01483 894606 or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..