The Severn

After a bit misty start I am on my way quite early and come across this interesting sandstone cliff which looks as though the caves may have been used for habitation at one time.

Nice day, if a bit hazy.

No shortage of expensive properties!

Approaching Bevere Lock

And looking back up the river to the lock and weir on the right.

Worcester Racecourse and a stop for lunch.

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In 1651 Charles Stuart, after being proclaimed king at Scone, reached Worcester with his 17,000 strong army.  The Roundheads, under Cromwell, had much superior forces and Charles was roundly trounced and fled to France with a few followers.

The three bridges at Worcester - foot, rail and road

The Cathedral looms into view

Bun fight for lunch!

The Cathedral

Looking back

No shortage of churches

Junction with the Worcester and Birmingham Canal

Scene of times long gone

Diglis Lock - the small black board in the middle shows flood levels.  The highest recorded is 1947 but I wonder where 2014 reached?

New footbridge below the lock.

The twin Diglis Locks operate on a traffic light system

The River Teme joins the Severn

The Malvern Hills come into (hazy) view

There are lots of caravan and chalet parks along the banks

This must be a horse santuary - they kept up a canter alongside the boat for a long way

Very strange residence

Upton Upon Severn, where I had intended to stop.  There are not many moorings and it would have meant breasting up, which is a bit awkward with James.  No hardship as it is a lovely evening - I pour a whisky, put my feet up and press on.

Nice to see there is still some commercial traffic on the river.

 And arrive at Tewkesbury and Mythe Bridge, built by Thomas Telford in 1828 with its single 170ft cast iron span.

I had not really intended to spend only a day travelling this 29 mile stretch of the Severn but it was great weather and a lovely cruise.  The Severn is very pleasant but, as it is prone to flooding, it has many high banks and obscured views, with few villages near the river.

I turn onto the Avon and go through Avon Lock after paying my £60 license fee for up to 14 days - the Avon is not part of the CART or EA waterways and is run by the Avon Navigation Trust.

29 miles; 5 large locks  
TOTAL:  213 miles; 76 locks (5 large)