WORCESTER and BIRMINGHAM CANAL:
The
Worcester & Birmingham canal links the centre of Birmingham with the
River Severn at Worcester. For much of it's length west from
Birmingham it is lock free with a tunnel or three to add interest, but then it plunges down towards the
River and Worcester via the massive Tardebigge Lock Flight.
From Wast Hill Tunnel, south westwards the canal is very rural - pleasantly
so in parts. North of that it has a more Urban setting. The
typical bank side view of hawthorn and similar small trees - with the almost
ever present reed banks - make it, for me, a touch 'samey' for most of the
canal's length down to Worcester.
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Typical view of
much of the W&B. Hawthorn & reeds. |
The 15th century 'Commandery' , one of Worcester's more pleasant views. |
...... And one of it's
prettier Locks.. |
For the time being
Diglis seems Dingey |
I have to admit that we view the W&B canal as an
important link canal rather than an attraction in it's own right.
We often start or finish a cruise at Birmingham's attractive Old Turn
Junction, and use the Worcs & B'ham as a lock free link to Kings Norton Junction (Stratford Upon Avon bound).
As a method of leaving Birmingham, it's quite attractive running alongside
the railway past Edgbaston and Birmingham University. Rather than
recommend a cruise from Birmingham to the River Severn using the W&B canal
and the Tardebigge stretch we would, by preference, go via Kings Norton -
Stratford - the River Avon to Tewksbury - then onto the Severn. That
Stratford route is vastly prettier and holds much more varied interest.
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