Worcester to Upton on Severn and Tewkesbury

 Thursday July 8 a day on the River Severn to Upton on Severn and Tewkesbury (16 miles, 3 locks)

Sunshine greeted us today, so after a relaxed start, John reversed Annie into Diglis Basin, winded before the locks and descended. The lock keeper was helping another boat, so Liana operated the bottom gates of the bottom lock and joined Annie on the lock pontoon. John usually moors facing upriver, as the boat steers and stops better against the current.

John saw a large, bright Kingfisher as we left. We were puzzled to see Diglis River Lock’s gates closing as we approached, with a boat waiting on what we thought was the lock landing. John was able to touch the bow on the shortish pontoon for Liana to fix a rope. We then found they were watering up! Seems odd to have a water point on the only mooring pontoon. Thankfully, the lock keeper came and shouted, so we were both able to get in, shortly.

The current took us along steadily, through the usual Severn scenery. High banks preclude you seeing too much from a narrowboat, sadly, but it is still idyllic!

After nine miles, we reached Upton on Severn, but the visitors mooring above the bridge was full. However, we were able to breast up against hotel boat Duke 2, which was moored on the steps below the bridge.

The town and riverside is a tourist destination, with lots of dining places and interesting shops, so we had a good walk around the town. John visited a favourite shop, The Map Shop, and bought new Pearson’s and Nicholsons Guides to the Severn, as our old ones are ancient!

As this is our Ruby Wedding month, we treated ourselves to a tasty Greek tapas at a riverside cafe. We were able to shout thanks to the hotel boat crew as they left, leaving Annie tied up in their place.

After lunch, we travelled the seven miles to Tewkesbury. As we we turning 180 degrees into the Avon channel to the lock, avoiding the sand bar, three boats arrived from downstream! John moved up towards the lock and moored, for a change, on rings below and beyond it, in front of the newish flats. Although the boat roof was level with the wharf, wooden barge boards protected the boat. We managed to line up a  slightly awkward ringed ladder with the cratch, so we could climb up! John had a nap, while Liana watched tv.