Artington Spring, Guildford

## Overview The Artington Spring is a charming natural spring located along Ferry Lane in Artington, just south of Guildford in Surrey, England. Nestled beside the River Wey, this public drinking spring sits in a picturesque setting steeped in history — the ruins of the medieval St Catherine's Chapel crown the hill directly above, lending the area a timeless atmosphere. St Catherine's Chapel, a 14th-century ruin managed by English Heritage, has drawn pilgrims and visitors to this stretch of the Wey valley for centuries. The spring below has long been a feature of the landscape, and the water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and walkers exploring the area. A small stone bridge marks where the spring flows out toward the river, making it easy to spot. The surrounding area is popular with walkers following the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims' Way, both of which pass close by. The River Wey Navigation, a historic canal route, also runs through this stretch, adding to the area's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. ## Directions 1. From Guildford town centre, head south along the A3100 (Portsmouth Road) toward Artington. 2. Turn onto **Ferry Lane**, a narrow road that branches off toward the River Wey. 3. Walk or drive down Ferry Lane and cross the **railway bridge**. 4. Continue toward the river. Just **before you reach the River Wey**, look for a small stone bridge on the right-hand side of the path. 5. The spring flows beneath this stone bridge — it is clearly visible and easy to find. **GPS coordinates:** 51.224349, −0.577949 The spring is accessible via public footpath and requires no special equipment or permissions to visit. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a modest but lovely spring emerging near the banks of the River Wey. The water flows beneath a small, characterful stone bridge and runs off to the right toward the river. The spring is easy to access and sits right alongside a well-used public path, so no scrambling or bushwhacking is required. The setting is one of the highlights — the lush Wey valley, the gentle sound of the river, and the atmospheric ruins of St Catherine's Chapel visible on the hilltop above create a genuinely peaceful spot. It's an ideal stop for walkers on the North Downs Way or anyone exploring the trails around Guildford. While the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source, water quality can vary with weather and season, and no current testing data is available. The flow is typically steady, but may increase after periods of rain. The area can be muddy in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended if visiting during autumn or winter months.