Our time in Worcester was up (well up, in fact; but because we were unable to move up onto the canal because of the issue with the failed pump, we didn’t feel too bad about a bit of extra time on the river. We hadn’t inconvenienced anyone else either). It’s been a lovely few days, a great mooring with a nice view, and all enhanced by having the Tidys here as well. Our neighbours left before us heading for Stourport, and we followed about 40 minutes later. After passing the Cathedral and other now familiar sights, we went under Worcester Bridge. At least going this way it made sense to use one of the right hand arches. Today I also got a better photo of the flood debris piled up on the upstream side.
Next comes the railway bridge, but there were no trains in the vicinity as we went under.
Further up river there are some very smart houses, some of which have been done up to within an inch of their lives.
Once out of Worcester, the Severn is just tree lined and it’s difficult to know where you re on the map. But at one point I’m sure I saw an otter. It had been sitting on the remains of a pontoon that had seen better days, and slid into the water as we approached. On the way to Bevere Lock we were overtaken by a rower. When we got to the lock we tied on the pontoon and waited. When there was no sign the lock keeper had seen us, I gave him a call and he was soon draining the lock and opening the gates for us.
There were loads of sand martins about, darting in and out of holes in the walls. Above the lock, there are signs about keeping left. On a previous occasion we passed a boat which hadn’t, and had run aground and was waiting to for the rescue crew. No such drama today.
Hawford Junction is just around the corner and we made for the lock landing pontoon. It’s not that easy to get onto, because the flow of the river wants to push you away from it. But the lock was empty and we were soon going up onto the Droitwich Barge Canal.
The pound above was about a foot low, and the second lock is a lot deeper. We moored immediately above it where there are rings. Moorings are not plentiful on this canal, so there aren’t many options. It’s a pleasant spot and in full sun, but there’s the A449 not far away and a prep school across the canal.
After lunch, while Macc had a nap and Adrian did some accounts for another charity, I went to find the Hawford Dovecote, which is owned by the National Trust. It’s not a pleasant walk up there because it’s mostly on the dual carriageway. En route I passed a caravan pulled by ponies, with a dog trotting along beside, and a cage of chickens on the back.
Further on there was another one — in fact this was a mini convoy of two caravans, a couple of ponies pulling traps, and a transit van with hazard lights flashing. There was a frightening moment when one of the ponies appeared to be heading into the outside lane and had to be brought back.
The first side road Google told me to take to the dovecote didn’t in fact go there, so I had to retrace my steps and take the second road. The dovecote itself stands among a collection of houses, all of which seem to want to discourage visitors. But it’s quite a building.
I tried to find a footpath across the fields back to the canal, but after the first bit I couldn’t find the way. It seems Worcestershire’s signing of paths is not good. I went back again, and a local I talked to mentioned what he called a ‘mad, modern house’ along the lane — so I had to go and have a look at it. It’s a total contrast to the dovecote, but I quite like it.
By the lock just behind us is a large grassy area with a bench, so we’ve brought Macc along on his long lead so he can have a mooch about. He’s enjoying a bit of freedom just to loll about in the grass and go pretty much where he wants, which to be honest isn’t very far away from us.
5 miles, 3 locks.