Tewkesbury

Although we set off in good time, we were behind several other boats which let the moorings just ahead of us and so we joined a queue. The couple of boats ahead of us went down quite slowly - although it is not easy to work these huge barge locks speedily!

Between Diglis Basin Locks

In case we do not know where we are!

Out on the River Severn again, we picked up good speed even though we were far from the fastest craft on the water. There was a steady stream of narrowboats coming up as well as some cruisers - more as we closed in on Tewkesbury.

View Upstream from below locks

Diglis Lock, on the river itself, is mechanised and simply huge, even with two boats. It seems as if the second lock is not now in use.

Below Diglis River Lock

Alice was in reading-mode and sat down with Mike to get through two Horrid Henry stories at a single sitting. An occasional heavy shower passed overhead and some stretches were exposed to a chilling breeze.

A strange turretted house makes an appearance and dominates the skyline for some distance.

e had planned a short lunch stop at Upton-upon-Severn but the only space available was almost right under the bridge and look somewhat uninviting. As Alice had already started on her sandwich so we all had ours 'on the run'.

Aggregate Barges at Unloading Wharf

Loading Wharf

Commercial barges are still used to transport aggregates a couple of miles along the river - fortunately we did not encounter any on the move!

Mythe Bridge

Early afternoon we passed under Mythe Bridge - one of Telford's structures - and shortly afterwards made a sharp turn into the River Avon. Several boats were already waiting at the lock landing but we learnt later that one of the crew on a larger boat coming down fell off into the water and had to be helped out.

Below Avon Lock

In addition, the lock keeper only collects the tolls once boats are in the lock and it takes some time to process each one. As we were making a through passage, the only option was for a 7 day licence - £50.

The scenery is different now as the Avon is on a wide plain as it meanders around. Villages and churches even a mile away can easily be seen - unlike much of the Severn where quite close places are easily missed.

Coventry Water Main

Alice made some cheese straws with some of the puff pastry left over from the chicken and bacon pie that Mike had been asked to prepare.

Above Strensham Lock

By the time we reached Strensham Lock - and its swing bridge just below - we were becoming concerned about moorings. There are no visitor moorings at Strensham at all. We were planning to go into Eckington tomorrow for the morning service at the village church and hoped that we would find a space at the first 'proper' mooring space at the former wharf close to the ancient bridge.

It was with some relief as we passed through the bridge to see that there was enough space for three narrowboats and only one was occupied.

After dinner, Mike and Alice went for a walk along the river bank - the first part of a circular walk which is described in an attractive leaflet available from the car park.

23.8 miles - 5 locks