Droitwich to Kegworth

 

Leaving the basin in Droitwich, now heading on to the Droitwich Barge Canal

 

Ladywood Lock

Looking back as we leave the Droitwich Canals.

Hawford Lock and junction dropping down to the River Severn

Holt Lock, River Severn

Stafford & Worcester Canal

Severn Valley Railway, unfortunately we did not see the steam train

Caldwall Lock

Approaching Kidderminster

Cookley Tunnel, 65 yards

Moored at Kinver

Dunsley Tunnel, 25 yards

Bratch Locks, three locks rising 30’2”

Autherley Junction

Pendeford Rockings

Gailey Lock, always making time for a quick dash into the shop for ice cream

Meeting up with Geoff and Julie on Willow Too, Beacon Boat number 17

Moored outside the Plum Pudding, Armitage – always guaranteed an excellent meal

 

Approx 175 miles cruising, including 184 locks

Birmingham – Tardebigge - Droitwich

Leaving Birmingham on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Edgbaston Tunnel, 105 yards

The Cadbury factory at Bournville, built in 1879

We head towards Worcester at Kings Norton Junction

Wast Hill Tunnel, 2726 yards long taking an hour to get through

Shortwood Tunnel, 613 yards

Tardebigge Tunnel, 580 yards

Tardebigge flight, 1 to 30 locks

Early morning mist as we start the flight

 

Moving immediately on to Stoke flight, 1to 6 locks

Then straight on to Astwood flight, 1 – 6 locks

Turning on to the newly restored Droitwich Canal

The first two locks on the Droitwich are manned, the side pound paddles are opened first

There was not much water showing and we did meet a boat coming towards us. Luckily it was on a small section.

Staircase lock, dropping on to the River Salwarpe

Approaching the very low tunnel under the M5

We were touching the profile, but looked as though we could just squeeze through. I didn’t fancy having to reverse all the way back up the last lock to turn.

The cratch cover was just rubbing slightly in places. The level fluctuates with the river, so if there had been any rain we would definitely not had got through. Not a pleasant steering position.

The locks are now all broad all the way down to the Severn. Swing bridge to open before entering lock !

Secure moorings in Vine Park basin in the centre of Droitwich.

A very busy day, 50 locks and 4 swing bridges