Ensuring navigation rights

NINE boats were launched on the Arun at Pulborough with the aim of reaching Pallingham Quay, the highest point navigable by boats on the Arun.

The aim of this annual event is to ensure that, when restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal is completed, there will be no legal reason why boats cannot venture from the canal into the Arun. These cruises were started by the Inland Waterways Association in around 1983 with the Wey & Arun Canal Trust taking over in 2011.

Explored the river

The flotilla of boats soon spread out as they explored the river before heading back to Pulborough, completing the trip in about three and a half hours. Wey & Arun Canal Trust expedition leader Brendan Whelan explained:

"Everyone enjoyed themselves and once again we showed that it is still possible to take small boats to the head of the river."

The annual navigation event plays the vital role of proving that navigation rights continue to be exercised. When the canal is reopened it will once again be possible to travel from London to Arundel and Littlehampton along rivers and the Wey & Arun Canal.