Uses of the River Wey in Southern England

The River Wey, a tributary of the Thames in Surrey/Hampshire, has served multiple purposes for centuries:

• Navigation: Canalized in the 17th century; linked London to Guildford and the Basingstoke Canal. Now used by pleasure craft and narrowboats.
• Water Supply: Thames Water operates treatment works along its course supplying London and the Home Counties.
• Recreation: Angling, boating, walking, cycling along the Wey Navigation towpath; Wey Valley AONB.
• Hydropower: Several small hydroelectric stations generate renewable electricity.
• Industrial Heritage: Formerly powered mills (corn, paper, gunpowder, textiles) at Guildford, Godalming, etc.

Today it's a valued leisure and ecological corridor.