UK Canal Boating

Day 1

After leaving the Worcester Marina at Lowesmoor wharf & negotiating 2 locks, you will be ready for the last lock on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal before you reach the River Severn (turning right onto the Severn)

Continue up the River Severn leaving Worcester behind, and cruise through the lovely Worcestershire countryside. There are very few locks, but the Bevere lock is one of the prettiest.This is just over 2 hours cruising from Lowesmoor Wharf, so is an ideal place to moor up for your 1st night. There is a pub just before the lock- The Camp house Inn, or for a even smarter pub, cruise to Grimley and take the footpath to the village pub- the Wagon Wheel. Make sure you leave your ropes slack to allow for the tide.

Day 2

The River winds its way through the picturesque Worcestershire countryside, you leave the River Severn at Stourport on Severn & join the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
This canal is one of the prettiest and most interesting waterways in England. The canal basins at Stourport are full of pretty moored boats, there are 2 entrances to the basins from the Severn one through Broad locks, and the second one through narrow locks which is the one you should take.

The locks are open 24 hrs, and form a staircase, the lock-keeper is usually around in case of difficulties. You should proceed to the eastern corner of the upper basins to join the Staffs & Worcs canal. There is a useful tea room & craft shop by the lock and temporary moorings.

You soon leave Stourport behind and approach Kidderminster with its smart new developments.
Cruise up towards Wolverley to turn around & then back to Kidderminster to moor up for the night.

If you have time take a look at Wolverley, which is north west of Bridge 20 (there is a turning point just beyond Bridge 21, or after bridge 18 if you do not want to stop at Wolverley). This is a fascinating village with a church standing on a sandstone rock so steep that it has to be approached by a zigzag path. many of the houses close by are partly carved from the rock, their dark back rooms actually caves.

In Kidderminster there are good moorings at Weavers wharf , with supermarkets & cafes nearby.

8 ½ Cruising hours to here from Bevere Lock.

Day 3

For those on a 3 night short break, retrace your steps back to Lowesmoor Wharf in Worcester, it is 8 ¾ hours cruising to there.
For those on a 4 night break- there is time to explore.

If time allows take a train ride on the Steam Railway. The Severn Valley railway is a full-size standard-gauge railway line running regular steam-hauled passenger trains for the benefit of visitors and enthusiasts alike between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire, a distance of 16 miles. The train journey is full of interest, for the route follows closely the meandering course of the River Severn for most of the way on its journey between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. One highlight of the trip is the crossing of the River Severn by means of the Victoria Bridge - a massive 200-foot single span, high above the water which, incidentally, features in the film 'The Thirty-nine Steps' with Robert Powell in the leading role. There being few roads in the Severn Valley, some of the views are only visible from the Railway. The scenery is varied and largely unspoiled, punctuated by the quaint 'olde worlde' charm of country stations, each one giving ready access to local villages and riverside walks.

Why not disembark at Bewdley & take a trip to the safari park with it's free roaming giraffes, elephants & big cats. Bewdley is a magnificent small 17/18th century riverside town, & is well worth a visit.

Day 4
Day 5
After a day of sightseeing time to get you sea legs again, and cruise back down the Staffordshire worcestershire Canal, and the River Severn back to Worcester.

 

NB: This route has been provided as a guide only. Information may become inaccurate or out of date. You should always check with the marina that the route is possible within your time frame, current weather conditions and canal stoppages etc.