Swindon to Bratch Locks

It seemed busier than usual as we left Swindon and had a short wait at Botterham staircase locks. Then on to Bratch locks, which we timed just right. Although they look like a staircase they are in fact three separate locks very close together with no passing once the flight has started, luckily there is a friendly lock-keeper on hand to supervise.

Marsh Lock

Approaching middle lock at Bratch

Octagonal lock-keeper’s office at Bratch Locks

Entering the top lock at Bratch

Looking back, having climbed 30ft 2ins

Wolverley Lock - Kinver – Swindon

Set off cruising through the narrows and Cookley Tunnel, moored overnight at Kinver. We decided not to climb to the top of Kinver Edge but to relax and have a bbq instead. Moored just after Stewponey Lock near Stourton Junction to book Kelly and Dave a taxi to take them back to their car in Stourport. Then carried on a little further to moor overnight just after Hinksford Lock, near Swindon.

The start of the narrows between Wolverley Lock and Debdale Lock

Debdale Lock

Cookley Tunnel

Austcliff

Hyde Lock and former ironworks manager’s house

Nice lock garden gates

Stourport on Severn to Wolverley Lock

Spent a few enjoyable days in Stourport, Kelly and Dave arrived early so we set off on the Staff & Worcs canal  passing through Kidderminster. At Wolverley we met up with Keith and Diane and had tea and biscuits on board their new Beacon Boat, Fruit of the Vine.

Kelly and Dave helping with Falling Sands Lock

 

Caldwall Lock

Kidderminster Lock

Moored for the night just before Wolverley Lock

Keith and Diane, nb Fruit of the Vine – Beacon Boat no 11

Worcester to Stourport

Having spent two nights in Worcester and enjoying the spectacular firework display celebrating the end of the Worcester Summer festival, we set off in lovely sunshine for Stourport on Seven. The River Severn has been fantastic and we will definitely visit again.

Perfect cruising on the River Severn

Holt Bridge, Telford 1827

  Turning off the River Severn into Stourport. Time to get used to narrow locks again.

Second set of staircase locks

The Clock Basin

The Clock Warehouse

The Upper Basin leading onto the Staff & Worcs canal

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