Sunday 28 July moored at Worcester and explored the city.
St. Andrew's spire - all that remains of the medieval church
It's also known as Glover's Needle in a nod to the Worcester glove making industry
The promenade is particularly attractive with lovely views of the city and river
The Worcester Dragons, going full pelt. Each of the crew has a single paddle and the steersman a 'rudder paddle' attached to the side
The ferry, an altogether more stately affair
Obligatory shot of the cathedral
Shopping street
Monday 29 July and we're now Tewkesbury bound, 16 miles and two locks downstream.
Early morning, Worcester, Catnap under the tree on the left
View from the footbridge, showing Catnap and in front, Water Gypsy another boat built, like ours, by Stephen Goldsbrough of Knowle Hall Wharf
Heading out in bright sunshine
Through Worcester Road Bridge with the cathedral on the horizon
The area on the River Severn between the railway viaduct and the
Worcester Cathedral Ferry has been designated as a Swan Sanctuary - a magical sight in the early morning light
Last sight of the swans and Glover's Needle
The striking King's School boathouse
Last view of the Needle and Worcester Cathedral
16 miles to Tewkesbury
“Believe me, my young friend,
there is nothing - absolutely nothing -
half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Especially when you know where you're headed
Between Ripple Wharf and a discharge point two miles upstream at Ryall there is regular traffic of large barges carrying aggreggate - we met this one and kept well away!
Passing Upton-upon-Severn
Ripple Wharf with moored barges Pike and Perch
Just past Ripple we were joined by a pigeon, ringed on both legs and, apparently determined to hitch a ride to Tewkesbury. It flew off just before Mythe Bridge
Coming up to Mythe Bridge
Spot the sign marking the left turn onto the Avon! We couldn't read it till we got up close and then had to do the narrowboat equivalent of a handbrake turn to head in to Avon lock
Turning towards the lock, the quay ahead and the lock entrance left
Engraving from the 1700s showing boats moored and loading up at Tewkesbury quay
Sounding the horn for the lockkeeper to open the lock gates as we approach
Healing's Mill on the quay, once one of the largest in the UK
In the lock and Denis opening the gate paddles
Once through the lock onto the Avon proper and our fee paid to the Avon Navigation Trust for our time on the river, the lockkeeper found Catnap a good spot for the night just before the historic King John's Bridge
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