The Stourport ring

The start of our second week saw the arrival of Lianne and her mob. There was only one suitable activity -  a week on narrow boats. We had a flotilla of 3 boats however, following a comment from a passing captain that we appeared to be hunting in packs maybe Armada would have been a better description.

We opted to start at Stoke prior to the South West of Birmingham and do an anti clockwise loop up the 30 or so Tardebigge locks (which we tackled in 2000), through Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Stourport and Worcester – the Stourport ring.

Blessed with some great weather and with the exception of Birmingham and Wolverhampton beautiful canals the photo opportunities were numerous.

The activity levels of the younger mob were starkly different. Baeddan just ran everywhere. I think he saw the whole trip as James Bond territory. 

Others (Daelin) had a more sedate approach – taking in the wildlife.

Kellan had a more measured approach to managing the locks working through efficiently, taking time to explore and at no time working up a sweat. This is the step on point at the bottom of the Bratch 3 series locks which incorporated some detailed engineering. This single stone lintel was but one example. 

Enjoying a ride rather than walking between locks was the go for some. Mind you British Waterways have recently gone right over the top. This year there was a sign on the door stating that crew are not allowed on the roof or side decks. What nonsense – how are you going to work a boat through locks and who is going to police such a “Nanny State” approach?

As the team have grown taller and are able to see over the roof there has been an increase in Captain numbers. Seren quickly got the hang of maneuvering.

Aimee had to stay with working the locks but was not perturbed by the fact that many paddles were pretty stiff and hard work.

Indeed some were so stiff they needed two windlass on the same spindle. 

Here the Armada is working through part of the Tardebigge flight

And some were insistent on steering even though they could hardly reach the tiller let alone see over the roof.

Mind you there is nothing like sitting in the peaceful, sunny bow watching the world slide by; all you have to do is stop talking.

Certainly raises an appetite and with a few buckets and locker covers a dining table could be quickly cobbled together.

Or if you were the younger crew you could all dine in the bow.

There were many pituresque spots although some of the attire was not really in keeping with the surrounds.

We went through quite a few tunnels (one some 2 kms long started to play tricks with the mind as depth perception deterorated) – at least it was quicker than walking through (lying on your back on top of the boat and walking along the tunnel ceiling) that occurred in the engineless days.

I wonder if the horses appreciated the enchanting towpaths.

Sonia and Tieve decided to work the locks and then run to the next one which in some cases was a half km away. They appear to be considering whether this was a smart idea…

A couple of the shots were just magical.

Either side of this bridge were two immaculate gardens – maybe a bit of competition going on – both were faultless.

Part of the canal leading up to Stouport went through “The Narrows” where the canal was cut into the sandstone hillside. 

And then the canal opened up to Stourport cathedral and the River Severn.

There was a carnival going on and entering the river (blind entrance) amongst racing catamaran canoes created a little bit of havoc and much amusement. 

I had a great discussion with Mr Train who is standing in the front of this vessel beating  out a rhythm with his paddle. He has trained Olympic canoeists for 4 Olympics. Three of his sons were Olympians. He invented these canoes and over a summer some 4000 local children get to have a go. Hopefully somewhere there is a future Olympian – given the lack of coordination of many it is difficult to pick who might fit the bill at this early stage!

The Severn seemed cavernous with its manned locks.

However the river seemed to reduce a little against the imposing backdrop of Worcester cathedral.

A busy 118 locks and 84 miles trip. However, although tiring there was a feeling of achievement as well as considerable enjoyment enhanced by great weather.