Worcester Cathedral from the river
Enthusiastic paddlers
We were joined in Diglis lock by another narrow boat, a Viking Afloat hire craft, but in the other two locks today were were alone. We had discussed stopping at Upton for lunch but in the end we continued right through the day getting to Gloucester around 5 o'clock. Around 21 miles in all. Progress on wide rivers can be quite different from canals.
It stayed fine all day, unlike our first trip down the Severn a few years ago which was in heavy rain. As a result we enjoyed the wide open vistas and the quite reaches. The only negative was a couple of very fast cruisers who overtook us at speed and with considerable wash. What is the point?
Views of the Malvern Hills
Telford's Mythe Bridge
The odd shaped Upper Lode Lock
Getting into Gloucester docks is always tricky even at low river levels. After Upper Parting there is a strong current that comes down the channel and then flows over a weir close to the lock. The dock also lock takes some time to empty, so crews waiting for the lock are required to grab onto chains along a high wall. We did manage it but it is always a nervy manoeuvre.
Waiting on the chains for Gloucester Dock Lock
Going up Gloucester Dock Lock
We found a good mooring on the floating pontoons in the dock and then investigated some of the new developments and the historic boats. The area just keeps on changing.
Mooring in Gloucester Docks
NB Gorst in a Dry Dock having new planking
Some classic sailing boats in Gloucester Docks
Tomorrow we plan to go down the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. We understand that tall ships are due in the docks at the end of the month. We just hope we might see one before we leave the G and S.
