The Locks
Sixteen locks lift the navigation from the Thames at Weybridge to Godalming--a total rise of about 86 feet. Each has its own character.
The locks are part of what makes the Wey special. Working through them on a boat is satisfying manual labour; watching from the bank is one of the river's simple pleasures. Gates swing open, water surges, boats rise or fall, and the rhythm of the navigation continues.
Most locks are manually operated--you wind paddles to fill or empty the chamber, push heavy balance beams to open the gates. It takes 10-15 minutes to work through. Some locks have electric operation, making the process easier but arguably less characterful.
For walkers, locks are natural stopping points. There's usually a bench, often a view, sometimes a pub nearby. They're good places to pause and watch the boats go by.
Lock-keeper cottages
Several locks have cottages beside them, some still occupied by lock-keepers who assist boaters and maintain the structures. The cottages are typically white-painted, often with gardens, and add to the picturesque quality of the navigation.