Frampton on Severn – Gloucester – Tewkesbury – Worcester

Headed for Gloucester knowing we would be waiting there awhile as both the Avon and the Severn were in flood and it had also got very windy. Only had to wait two days before we set off for a 3 hour cruise to Tewkesbury, mooring below the lock. Early start the next day for a 5 hour cruise to Worcester, finding moorings by the racecourse. Luckily the weather has improved and it was a lovely scenic run up the River Severn, the river being very busy, probably as it is bank holiday Monday.

Overnight moorings at Tewkesbury

Mythe Bridge

Passing under the M50

Upton on Severn, no moorings available

Repent at Leisure with the Malvern Hills in the background

New footbridge, approaching Diglis Lock

Diglis Lock

Worcester Bridge

Looking back at Worcester Cathedral

Sharpness - Shepherd’s Patch – Frampton on Severn

Dodged the heavy showers again today, stopped at Purton for water. As we didn’t stop there on the way we took the opportunity to look at the sunken boats, which are used as a barrier against bank erosion. Carried on a little further and moored overnight at Slimbridge. The weather forecast the next day was still a little grim with high winds, so we just had a short cruise to Frampton on Severn.

 

Ornate Doric-columned keeper’s house, found at most of the swing bridges

Frampton on Severn – Shepherd’s Patch – Sharpness

Spent an extra day at Frampton waiting for the rain to pass over, no point in missing the stunning views. Set off the following morning to Shepherd’s Patch, where we had a walk down to the Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Centre. Then made the final stretch to Sharpness, the weather had improved and we had full 360 degree clear panoramic views for miles. Had Sunday lunch in the Dockers Club, which had been recommended. Sharpness is still a working port and ships from various countries can be seen passing through the entrance lock with cargo of fertilizer, cement, grain etc.

Moored opposite us at Shepherd’s Patch

  View of the River Seven across Frampton Sand

Approaching Purton Upper Bridge

Remains of the Severn Railway Bridge. Demolished in October 1960 when fog caused two petrol barges to miss the entrance to the docks and collided with the bridge.

Canal nearside, River Severn and the Forest of Dean in the background

View from our mooring, tide out

Sharpness. Jo, Paul (nb Repent at Leisure) and me

Memorial for TS Vindicatrix and the sea cadets who lost their lives in the Second World War

Gloucester to Frampton on Severn

Set off on to the Gloucester and Sharpness canal, passed through several swing bridges which are all operated by BW keepers, some we were able to pass under and others we had to wait to be opened under a red and green light system. Although the canal is relatively straight the countryside opens up with wide views of the Cotswolds on one side and the Forest of Dean on the other.

LLanthony Bridge

Leaving Gloucester behind

Hempsted Bridge

Former Cadbury works, now a flour mill

Moorings at Frampton-on-Severn, Fretherne Swing Bridge in the background

Tewkesbury to Gloucester

We made the decision last night as we were so close it would be a shame if we didn’t make the effort and go through to Sharpness, especially as we had already been to Bristol. With moral support from Paul and Jo, nb Repent at Leisure we set off from Tewkesbury onto the Severn. The very helpful lock keepers at Avon lock and Upper Lode lock prepared us for Gloucester lock. Even though we had grey cloud and a quick rain shower, the Severn was very impressive and eventually the sun did come out. As we reached Upper Parting we had to ring ahead to the lock keeper, as it was particularly busy we had to wait along the quay wall. As advised earlier we had to rope on to the chains, stern rope first keeping well back, as there was a very strong current. Once we came out of the lock, the basin revealed all its splendid surroundings.

Leaving Upper Lode lock, how big !!!

The mighty Severn

Approaching Gloucester lock

 

Moored in the main basin

Mariners Chapel

 

Pershore – Eckington – Tewkesbury

Set off from Pershore in hazy sunshine after all the rain from the night before. Had a beautiful days’ cruising with stunning scenery, the Malvern Hills on one side and Bredon Hill on the other. Moored overnight just before Eckington Bridge where we met  Paul and Jo on nb Repent at Leisure, who moor at the same moorings as us in Kegworth, we shared a very enjoyable evening with them. Woke up to glorious sunshine for our journey to Tewkesbury.

Eckington Bridge

 

Leaving Strensham lock

Tewkesbury

 

Tewkesbury Abbey

Serenity & Repent at Leisure

Craycombe Turn to Pershore

The weather has certainly took a turn for the worse, it did not stop raining all night, which we could do without as the Avon and the Severn are prone to flooding. We have previous memories of being stuck on the River Soar in flood water for five days. Luckily though we had a dry cruise to Pershore, passing through Fladbury and Wyre Piddle.

Fladbury lock, 7ft 6ins deep – the top green marker on the building shows the flood level in 2007

Fladbury mill and weir

Wyre lock

Pershore Abbey