Heading North

As we left Droitwich we decided to return back to the River Severn instead of continuing towards Birmingham and the 30 locks of the Tardebigge flight.   We shared locks on the return journey with another couple and travelled together up the Severn to Stourport.   There are 4 connected basins at Stourport which are a bit of a maze for the boater.  Broad locks provide access for wide beams and we joined the queue for the narrow staircase locks.   At the top of the locks our route took us across a small basin; up another staircase lock; across a basin filled with moored boats; into the last basin and finally through the last lock which led onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.   Stourport is an odd little town literally built around the canal basins as they were constructed.  It boasts a funfair and amusement arcade but there is little else to attract the tourists. 

After sailing through Kidderminster the canal flows through cool woodlands and tight bends take us round outcrops of red sandstone.   There are caves in this area which were inhabited as recently as the 1960s.  We were surprised to see a cave entrance next to Cookley Lock but I can't imagine anyone would live here after the lock was built so close to it. 

Cave entrance at Cookley Lock

Although the locks are narrow they are deep and we climbed steadily as we headed north. 

The boaters view in a lock

The 3 Bratch Locks are picturesque with an attractive octagonal toll house but they are also unique.   As we approached them they looked like staircase locks but there is a small pound, just a few feet long, between each lock.  The pounds are part of a water saving system which allows water to flow to, and from, hidden side ponds during the lock operation.  

Looking across the 2nd Bratch Lock to the octagon toll house 

At the top of the locks we were surrounded by open countryside and fields with horses cantering up and down to the canal.   It didn't take much for us to pull over and moor up in this pleasant location which was also popular with walkers and joggers.

On the outskirts of Wolverhampton the canal turns east and connects with the Birmingham Canal Navigation and half a mile later we turned onto the Shropshire Union at Autherley Junction.  The next morning we travelled to remote visitor moorings by bridge 8 which made an ideal spot to stop for the weekend.  

Bess poses for the camera as we sail through woods

Our journey from Droitwich to bridge 8 on the Shropshire Union