As we turn the corner into a new year, and people start to think about new year’s resolutions, many may start to feel the desire to get outside and fit more exercise into their plans. This is a very noble New Year’s resolution, which may be seen as a bit of a challenge for some as it involves the toil of being out in the cold, getting muddy shoes and, worst of all – having to find exciting places to walk.
Sadly, at this time of year, you will be hard-pressed to find a walk where you won’t get muddy and a bit cold in the UK, let alone in Surrey. So, if you can withstand a bit of mud and have to wrap up a bit – you’re in luck, as there are many walks you can take through Surrey with exciting views and, most importantly, dog-friendly pubs nearby.
One of Surrey’s prime examples of this is a walking route in Guildford, just a short 10-minute drive from the town centre.
Riverside Nature Reserve is home to a variety of different habitats with many birds, insects and amphibians.
The route involves a riverside walk by the River Wey which takes you into the Riverside park nature reserve which features long stretches of promenade routes, and an idyllic lake full of wildlife. Not only this, the route is a short walk away from a dog-friendly riverside pub called the Rowbarge.
To start your walk, you have two options; begin with a pint or glass of wine, or begin with a stroll through the lake and promenades at Riverside nature reserve. If you fancy visiting the Rowbarge first, then you can park in their carpark.
Alternatively, you can park your car in the Riverside nature reserve car park, just off Bowers Lane in Burpham. It is worth mentioning that if you park here and plan on visiting the Rowbarge; the total walking time will be over an hour.
There is an 800-metre boardwalk great for stretching your legs.
Wherever you decide to park, you will have a lovely scenic walk ahead of you. The Riverside nature reserve is a wonder of Guildford’s countryside that is nice to visit even in the winter. The 30-hectare nature reserve full of wildlife both in water and on land. While you may struggle to find wildlife during winter, you will still enjoy a stroll around the reserve’s lakes, extensive boardwalks and meadows.
The nature reserve’s main feature is the sweeping lake that sits in its centre. Surrounded by picnic benches, the lake the perfect place to stop for a quick break or bite to eat while you admire the swarms of ducks and swans which call the lake their home.
Not only this, but one feature of the reserve, which you may struggle to find anywhere else, is the hundreds of meters of boardwalks built on top of the area’s wetlands, which even feature a hidden observatory. Water levels will vary depending on recent rainfall, but the location is known to be a hot spot for birds, insects and amphibian life.
The Row Barge pub is located at Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW.
(Image: Laura Nightingale)
Just a short walk from the reserve, which includes crossing the relatively busy Woking Road, you will find a dog-friendly riverside pub called the Rowbarge. Described as “absolutely lovely” by TripAdvisor reviewers, the pub has a vast array of indoor and outdoor seating, pool tables and a small playground for children. As you sit indoors or outside by the River Wey, you can take a sip on their commendable choices of wines, as well as Stonegate-supplied beers and ciders.
In 2024, the Rowbarge came under new management. This has been seen by many in the area as a positive change which brought a breath of fresh air to the pub. Surrey Live visited the Row Barge in August 2024, where they spoke to customers who live nearby, such as Lula, 33, who visited with her young child.
“I’ve been waiting for someone to do this for years, it’s a million times better, I’ve been waiting for three years for this.” She said when asked how she felt about the new management and their revamp of the pub.
The Rowbarge has a respectable Sunday menu where main meals will cost you around £15. Some of it’s highlights are the ‘tower burger’, which features two burger patties, BBQ pulled pork and grilled chorizo. Of course, as it is a Sunday menu, the pub offers an array of meat options with roasts, which include; a striploin of beef, pork belly and even a root vegetable wellington.
Where to find Riverside Nature Reserve and the Rowbarge pub:
- Riverside Nature Reserve address: Main access is via Bowers Lane which is situated off Clay Lane, Guildford, GU4 7ND.
- The Rowbarge pub address: The Row Barge, 7 Riverside, Guildford GU1 1LW
- The Rowbarge pub opening hours: Sunday to Thursday is 12pm until 12am, Friday to Saturday is 12pm until 1am.