Kinver to Parkgate Lock, Penkridge

As we left Kinver the red sandstone ridge through which the canal has been cut is still in evidence; red cliffs line the canal and rocky outcrops protrude creating sharp bends on the narrow waterway.  Near Hyde Bridge the sandstone has eroded and brick pillars have been built to hold up the remaining outcrop.  

Brick pillars holding up the sandstone outcrop

Further on the short Dunsley Tunnel had been cut through the sandstone.  

Dunsley Tunnel takes the canal through the sandstone

An unusual feature of the Staffs & Worcs Canal is the circular whirlpool overflow which can be seen at some of the locks. 

The whirlpool overflow at Stewponey Lock

Dredgers had been busy at work on this section of the canal and the water was noticeably deeper as we headed north.  We passed long lines of fishermen and an interesting looking garden which had been planted alongside the canal.

An interesting display of plants in the large garden

We moored up at Hinksford  where some bright nasturtiums, climbing over a low hedge, made a cheerful display. 

A splash of colour from the nasturtiums

On Monday we prepared to leave Hinksford and the day started off badly; Kev tossed our best windlass towards me but it bounced off the bank into the canal.  Luckily the water was shallow enough for him to retrieve it but a passer-by commented that it was going to be one of those days.  Too true.  

Shortly after setting off we stopped at Sainsburys for some groceries.   When we untied the ropes to leave we found one of the mooring chains had been jammed fast and could not be freed by hand.  A tug from Brent III did the trick and we started to set off only to hear the engine struggle as something wrapped itself around the prop.  It was a fisherman's shelter, well and truly twisted around the prop shaft.  After 45 minutes of cutting with a knife and snipping with my sewing scissors we eventually removed it and at last were on our way. 

A volunteer assisted us with the unique system at the Bratch Locks.  There are 3 locks which almost form a staircase but not quite; a small pound between the lock gates siphons off water to a reservoir.  The gate paddles need to be worked in the correct sequence to save water. Once through the locks we were pleased to moor up for the day.

The Bratch Locks, the top gate of the bottom lock is in the foreground with the bottom gates of the middle lock above it.  The small pound with its blue paddle to let water into the reservoir is between these 2 gates.

On Tuesday we had a much better day travelling through quiet woods until we found a spot in the sun near Mopps Farm Bridge.  On our walk we saw a heron watching the canal intently from the shadows. 

A heron watching the canal

The next day we continued north and had a lucky find of more logs as we waited for another boat at a lock.  It's surprising how much our little stove burns now it's on most of the time. The canal then passes through the outskirts of Wolverhampton and and is crossed by high bridges between Aldersley and Autherley Junctions. 

Bridges crossing the canal at Wolverhampton

At Autherley Junction we pulled onto the Shropshire Union Canal just to fill up with water. Then we reversed back through the stop lock and moored up for the day.  On Thursday we continued north on the Staffs & Worcs Canal sailing along a very narrow cutting. 

A view of the narrow cutting taken on our walk

After passing under the M54 bridge we were back in the countryside and found a good mooring near Moat House Bridge.  

On Friday we sailed into Penkridge and had a walk into the small town.  Since our last visit a large farm supplies store has opened, very useful for chainsaw spares and other bits and bobs.

On Saturday we sailed the short distance to Parkgate Lock and a Midland Chandlers shop.  We needed some spares and while looking round saw a hob we liked.  Our current hob is not the best, it was bought for one reason, it was the only one that fitted in the available space. After checking all the measurements Kev decided the new hob would fit and so we bought it. At the moment it's still in it's box awaiting the purchase of a tile cutter disc for the necessary alterations to the worktop. 

Our journey from Kinver to Parkgate Lock

Worcester to Kinver

We left the River Severn at Worcester and sailed through the suburbs on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.  At one of the bridges workman stood on a precarious looking raft to carry out repairs on the arch. 

Workman manoeuvre their raft out of the way so we can come through

After ascending 7 of the narrow looks we pulled over near Blackpole.  On Friday we continued along the canal which had narrowed down with weeds growing on both sides and was also shallow in places.  We kept going to the moorings at the junction of the Droitwich Canal.  

The Droitwich canal branches off to the right

The Droitwich Canal was reopened in July 2011 following extensive restoration and our Nicholson's guide gives little detail because at the time of publication the canal wasn't navigable.  We used our afternoon walk to have a look at the short 1.5 mile stretch into Droitwich and found it had a variety of features.  All the locks into Droitwich are deep narrow locks drawing a lot of water.  The first 3 locks had side pounds to store water emptying from the locks which is then re-used to fill the locks when required.  Further along was a staircase of 2 locks and then a single lock took us onto the river section.  A new tunnel was constructed under the M5 but it is very low; a warning board hangs across the canal so boaters can check their clearance before entering the tunnel.  

Looking down at the low motorway tunnel, we went through with inches to spare

In Droitwich a broad lock takes us off the river back onto the canal and into Vines Park.  3 swing bridges cross the canal in the park before we reached the moorings at Netherwich Basin.  

Netherwich Basin is in Vines Park but  is surrounded by tall reeds so it is secluded from the park

Droitwich is a small town with a good selection of shops and charity shops for books and DVDs.  It has some impressive black and white timbered buildings and a modern shopping centre with attractive ceramic friezes depicting the town and its history. 

One of the ceramic friezes in the new shopping centre

On Monday a ground frost sparkled on the grass as we left the basin.  Another new tunnel took us under the A38 as we travelled westwards back to the River Severn.

The view through the A38 with its flat roof.  

We turned north on the River Severn and after working 8 broad locks on the canal we were pleased the river locks were manned.  

The elegant Holt Fleet Bridge crossing the River Severn with Holt Lock in the distance

At Stourport-on-Severn the river pontoons provided a good mooring.  Stourport is an odd little town; it has a permanent fun fair and a street of fish & chip shops and amusement arcades which wouldn't look out of place at a seaside.  I was amused to see a collection of carousel horses looking out from a roof top balcony. 

Carousel horses overlook Stourport Canal Basins

On Wednesday we sailed through the maze of locks and basins at Stourport.  A staircase lock took us up into the first basin and another took us into a second basin where we took a channel through moored boats into a third basin.  Here we took a left turn and up a single narrow lock onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. 

The first staircase lock where the top lock feeds directly into the bottom lock.  

As we sailed out of Stourport Kev spotted some old logs left in the undergrowth at the side of the canal, very handy now the weathers turning cold.  Out came the chainsaw and we soon filled our wood locker and part of the front deck.  

Queen of the woodpile

The next day we sailed into Kidderminster where we stopped briefly for shopping before continuing our journey.  We wanted to be at Kinver on Friday because Kev's chair had broken and the makers, Wilsons of Kinver, are going to supply a spare part.  Wilsons are no longer at their original canalside premises but Mr Wilson offered to bring the replacement plate down to the canal, an excellent service.  With the new plate it didn't take Kev long to restore the swivel to his chair.  

Our journey from Worcester to Kinver

Sharpness to Worcester

As we set off to leave Sharpness cloud hung over the Severn estuary and we were glad we could leave the wheelhouse up to protect us from the drizzle.   On the approach to Purton we saw a small but pretty sailing ship had been tied up on the moorings.  

A small sailing ship near Purton

We stopped for the day at Shepherds Patch near the Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetland Centre.  On Wednesday we continued our journey north but hadn't gone far when a bridge-keeper told us a bridge ahead would be closed for a couple of hours.  We pulled over to wait but as it was a nice spot we decided to stop for the day; we don't take much persuading!  A group of bird-watchers were looking out for a hen harrier but we weren't lucky enough to see it.  

The next day we continued our leisurely journey with the bridges being opened for us along the way.   

One of the many swing bridges open for us

On Friday we returned to Gloucester and stopped on the shopping mooring outside Sainsburys.   As we returned with our groceries a sailing ship passed on its way into the docks. 

The bridge is lifted for a sailing ship to sail into the docks

After putting away our shopping we followed the sailing ship, we didn't need the first bridge opening but Llanthony Bridge is low and had to be lifted for us.

Llanthony Bridge up in the air so we could pass through

We stayed in Gloucester for a couple of days and then returned up the River Severn on Sunday morning.  Initially we were pushing against the flow but a high tide came up behind giving us a hand.  The day was bright and sunny and the Lower Lode pub, near Tewkesbury, looked busy.

The Lower Lode pub near Tewkesbury

At Tewkesbury we didn't go through the lock but stayed on the River Severn moorings, the first time we've stayed on these moorings and we found they were very quiet.

On the River Severn moorings at Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is an interesting little town and I always enjoy a look round the "Antique Centre" but I rarely buy anything.  On this occasion I was pleased to spot an embroidery hoop which will come in useful.

Bric-a-brac in the Antique Centre, the photo was taken from a balcony.

On Tuesday we set off up the river to Upton-on-Severn and thought we were lucky to find space on the pontoons as there are only 4 moorings.  We had a walk into the quaint little town and I went for a haircut.  When I arrived back at the pontoon a neighbouring boater had his music on full volume with all his doors wide open.  Kev was sat on Brent III with all the doors shut.  One advantage of boating is that you can move if you don't like your neighbours so we did.   A couple of hours sailing upstream took us to Worcester and we arrived at the manned Diglis Lock just in time to go through.  

The next day we had a look round the town and in Worcester Cathedral which has some of its old bells on display.  

A line up of Worcester Cathedral's old bells

The cathedral also has some interesting architecture in the Chapel in the Crypt.

Pillars and arches make interesting shapes in the Chapel in the Crypt

Our journey from Sharpness to Worcester

Stratford-upon-Avon to Sharpness

During our stay at Stratford-upon-Avon Nic and Shaun came down to see us; it was good to see them and have a catch-up.  We also decided to start our long overdue diets and our cupboards were filled with healthy food as we sailed out onto the River Avon.

After stopping a night at Welford Lock we continued through Bidford-on-Avon whose road bridge was badly damaged last year.  The bridge has now been repaired and reopened to traffic.

The repaired historic bridge at Bidford-on-Avon

That night we stopped at Offenham Lock where there are plenty of moorings in a quiet setting.

Only Brent III on the moorings at Offenham Lock

On Tuesday we left Offenham and sailed through to the park moorings at Pershore, one of our favourite town moorings.  We stayed a couple of days and had a potter around the indoor market and the shops.  In the afternoon I walked Bess and Brinny across the meadows and up to the village of Wyre Piddle which has some attractive old beamed cottages.

The old cottages at Wyre Piddle

On Thursday we completed our journey on the River Avon by sailing into Tewkesbury, another attractive little town.

Tewkesbury Bridge with the old mill building in the background

When I took the girls for a walk on the Severn Ham we found it was full of sheep so their leads had to stay on.

These obstinate sheep refused to move off the the path on the Severn Ham

On Friday morning we left Tewkesbury, sailing through the lock onto the River Severn.  Half a mile downstream we came to Upper Lode Lock, a massive lock at the tidal limit of the river.

Waiting for the bottom gates to open in Upper Lode Lock

Once through the lock we had an excellent run to Gloucester averaging just under 6mph.  There were no other boats on the visitor moorings at Gloucester Docks so we picked a spot well away from the waterside bars.  Then we went on a spending spree. A replacement tablet for Kev was top of the list and while in Currys we bought some handy pocket sized binoculars which have variable magnification.  I also picked up some good trainers in Go Outdoors clearance sale and went back for some more the next day.   It was as well the visitor moorings in Gloucester are only for 48 hours.

Gloucester Docks at night

On Sunday we sailed south down the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal encountering the first of many swing bridges.  Luckily they are all manned by a bridge-keeper so all we have to do is wait for each bridge to open.  After 1 overnight stop on the canal we arrived at Sharpness.  The canal is parallel to the River Severn and the visitor moorings give an amazing view across the estuary.

We narrowly avoided rain on this walk.  A view of the canal in the foreground with the Severn Estuary on the far side of the wall and trees.

Our journey from Stratford-upon-Avon to Sharpness

Leamington Spa to Stratford upon Avon

We left Leamington Spa on Friday heading west towards the Hatton Flight.  We usually moor at the bottom of the flight but this time we went up the first 4 locks where we could stop in a long pound. The next morning we were up bright and early with the bike ready for the remaining 17 locks.  The sun was shining but rain clouds were gathering and we were pleased to be through Hatton Top Lock 2 hours later.  

British Waterways buildings and a lock viewed from the previous lock on the Hatton Flight 

We sailed further on to the embankment at Rowington and stopped before the rain started.   We then stayed another day before sailing to Kingswood Junction ready for the Stratford Canal.  Kev had unfortunately dropped the binoculars resulting in magnified double vision. He found a replacement pair on ebay, click and collect to Argos was available so he ordered them to be delivered to Stratford.  It was only after receiving the confirmation we discovered they were going to be sent to a previous delivery address in Yorkshire.  The seller was very helpful and cancelled the order so we could start again and this time we changed the default address to Mum and Dad's in case the Argos delivery request failed again.  Lucky that we did because once again the Argos delivery information was lost.   Later we discovered the cause of the problem was Kev's ancient tablet which is losing it's touch screen sensitivity.  

On Tuesday morning we started descending the narrow locks on the Stratford Canal; some of the bridges are also very narrow. 

One of the narrow bridges, just wide enough for a narrow boat

We stopped outside Wotten Wawen on Wednesday and the low banks made it ideal for painting Brent III's gunwhales.  We were pleased with our work over the next 3 days but needed some provisions.  The poor telephone signal ruled out an Asda delivery so we caught a bus into Stratford upon Avon.  The bus taking us into town was 10 minutes late but that was nothing compared to the journey home.  After standing for 30 minutes in pouring rain at an open bus stop we vowed not to rely on buses again.

The next day the weather was bright and sunny and we sailed over the small Wootten Wawen aqueduct and stopped about a mile further on.

The Wootten Wawen aqueduct with visitor moorings on the left and the green Anglo-Welsh hire boats on the right

We'd stopped just  before the Edstone Aqueduct so I was able to take some photos of the structure from the ground. 

Brick pillars support the narrow Edstone aqueduct 

On Monday we sailed over the aqueduct giving us a different view. 

The view from the bow as we sailed over the Edstone Aqueduct 

The canal took us through Wilmcote village and down the 11 Wilmcote Locks before we stopped for the day. 

Canalside buildings at Wilmcote

On Tuesday we had 5 locks to descend to take us  into Stratford upon Avon including the notorious Lock 53.  Due to it's proximity to a bridge the balance beam has been removed and replaced with railings at right angles to the lock gate which makes it difficult to open. 

The railing replaces the balance beam on lock 53 and Kev replaced me on lock duty!

We pulled into the basin at Stratford and the sun came out to give us another heatwave.  Bess has become accustomed to stretching out on the towpath and thought nothing of doing the same on the pavement in front of the memorial steps. 

Bess laid out on the pavement

Our journey from Leamington Spa to Stratford upon Avon 

Banbury to Leamington Spa

After being grounded below the lock we were relieved to find the water levels remained stable on our new moorings at Banbury. 

The canal from one of the pedestrian bridges, the shopping centre is on the right and the white bars crossing the canal are on the lift bridge 

Sarah arrived by train on Monday and during the afternoon we had a wander around the small town.  Next to Banbury Cross stands a statue of the Fine Lady on a White Horse. 

The bronze statue of the fine lady on her horse

The next day we travelled a short distance to Slat Mill Lock, the first of many rural locations.  That evening some cows  looked as if they were going to come across the canal from the opposite bank but luckily they changed their minds and left us to watch the sunset. 

The sunset lit up the sky through hazy cloud

On Thursday we moored up at Fenny Compton, a typical village in this region with it's older buildings constructed in a local brownstone.

The church of St Peter and St Clare at Fenny Compton

The Methodist Church was not so obvious, hidden behind some houses which left it only a narrow entrance.

The narrow entrance to the Methodist Church

The sun came out for us on Friday and we pulled up on an embankment giving us a good view across open countryside which seemed perfect for sketching.  Kev set up the telescope so we could scan the distant hills.    We stopped another day but the weather turned and a thunderstorm passed directly over us.  Bess and Brinnie were a little nervous; it's the first time they've encountered a storm at close quarters.  

On Sunday morning the dry weather returned and we sailed on towards Napton.  On the way we were pleased to see some hares crouching in their seats on an open field.  We stopped at the top of the Napton Locks and Sarah and I had a walk into the village, passing a herd of water buffalo on the way.   The village shop sold water buffalo ice cream so of course we had to try it.

Water buffalo in the field next to the canal

On Bank Holiday Monday the locks were busy and we were queuing to descend to the bottom and a mooring near the Folly Inn where we enjoyed a meal.  

Kev's photo of the Folly Inn

Kev was up early with his camera on Tuesday morning and took some good photos in the mist. 

Kev's photo looking down the locks in the morning mist

We then sailed around Napton's hill and onto the Grand Union Canal stopping near the top of the Stockton Locks.  This years sloe crop hasn't been very good but Sarah and I picked enough for our sloe gin.  That evening the sky was clear revealing the milky way and a lot of stars.  With the aid of Skymap on the tablet we were able to pick out some constellations.  

On Wednesday we had an early start to descend the 8 Stockton Locks and, with Sarah in front setting the locks, we made short work of them.  We carried on through the 4 Bascote Locks and pulled over at Welsh Road Lock where the former lock house made a good subject for a sketch.  

On Thursday we descended the remaining locks and sailed into Leamington Spa. Unfortunately the town centre moorings looked a bit dubious so we carried on a little way out and  moored near Morrisons, very useful for a big shop. 

Leamington Spa is famed for it's spring water which flowed from an uninspiring stainless steel tap outside the Pump Rooms.  Inside there was a small but interesting museum, part of which had housed the Turkish Baths and some treatment rooms with various contraptions to cure the sick.  

Attractive tiles in the Pump Room

Sarah and I picked up a historical trail leaflet which took us into Jephson Gardens which  had a glasshouse and some art galleries in a lodge gate.   The trail continued passed the many regency style houses in the town.  

Whilst in town we also called at the railway station for Sarah's ticket home as this was her last night with us.  


Our journey from Banbury to Leamington Spa