The River Severn is only navigable for a short distance north of Stourport-on-Severn so travelling south we see Redstone Rock, on the right-hand side, which was once had a hermitage in the caves. The river runs through hilly countryside to Lincomb Lock and continues to Astley Burf and on to Lenchford. An impressive iron bridge greets the boaters at Holt Fleet and a little further south at Grimley the River Salwarpe and the Droitwich Barge Canal join the mainline. The river is only navigable for a short distance but work is in hand to restore the Droitwich Barge Canal and the Droitwich Canal to provide a link to the Birmingham and Worcester Canal.

 

Continuing past Grimley the river enters Worcester, running close to the racecourse and the cricket ground. Worcester Cathedral can be seen and with moorings north of Diglis Lock a visit to the city and its historic buildings is a must. South of Worcester, the Malvern Hills can be seen to the west then steep sandstone cliffs rise out of the water as the river winds past Severn Stoke and Hanley Castle to Upton-on-Severn a charming town with good moorings and well worth a visit.

 

A remote section follows as the river passes the pretty village of Ripple and on to the outskirts of Tewkesbury. Turning right on to the River Avon takes the boater into the centre of this historic town with the opportunity to travel North on the Avon to Evesham and Stratford-upon-Avon. Boaters may also continue South towards Gloucester.

Map Ref 25 Hampstall Inn

 

 

The Hampstall Inn, Astley Burf Tel: 01299 822600

South of Lincomb Lock. Traditional riverside pub offering real ale plus bar snacks, bar meals and home cooked dishes to suit all tastes. Play area, barbecues during summer. Fishing and mooring for customers Food available all day, open all day, every day (hours vary out of season - phone to checkwww.thehampstallinn.co.uk