Well they forecast a scorcher, and we’ve got one. 32 degrees at the moment, thankfully we are back in the Guildford Meadows under some shady willow trees.

The start of the meadows at Guildford
The Wey cuts thru at the Guildford Gap.

Rather than just sit all day we decided to go to Godalming, hoping to get there and back before the heat of the afternoon. Unfortunately I was a bit lethargic this morning, and most of the locks were against us, so we both boiled !

Where the Pilgrams way crosses the Wey
Even the cows were cooling off

It’s a pretty run up to Godalming, just 3 locks and plenty of twists and turns. At Farncombe Boat house we met up with Gareth, our mobile mechanic, thankfully no alternator break downs this year. As usual there’s a little list of “to do” jobs for him and his dad, Colin. We also topped up the diesel, ready for winterisation, on one of the hottest days !

Lamas Land meadows outside of Godalming
Godalming Wharf

Godalming Wharf is the southernmost point of the continuous inland water way system, so it’s always feels a job well done getting there. Thankfully it was in the shade for a while, so a bit of shopping and lunch were in order. Once that sun came round it was time to move on, and Guildford has the most shady spots, so back we go.

Guns Mouth, Wey and Aran junction, sadly the Aran is now mostly derelict but it used to run down to the south coast.

St Catherine’s Lock is only 3’, but was set against us and had no shade. We both wilted and struggled to push on, and were relieved to put in the mooring pins and turn the engine off. It’s not too bad sitting alongside the boat, but Hazel is being nibbled on by all sorts of insects ! An easier day tomorrow I think is in order.

Shady relief