River Severn:(Adjacent canals can be viewed with the above links)
Within our normal cruising range, we find the River Severn a pleasant link from Tewksbury, and the River Avon, to Stourport and the south western end of the Staffs & Worcs canal. On that route we are only on the river for a few hours or perhaps one day - but it’s a pleasant cruise. When using it 'in transit' we often moor up just downstream of Lincombe Lock, a short distance south of Stourport. Sitting at the base of sandstone cliffs, it's a charming mooring. The river mainly takes us through tree lined banks which some boaters claim to be boring - you can often only see the high tree lined banks. But I personally like such a rural scene - kingfishers and other wildlife abound. Larger than usual boats moored at the bank side add interest to those of us more used to narrowboats. The river does have an interesting history, it forms an important navigational link from the Bristol channel in the SW to the canals linking to the NE of the country. It forms an integral part of Brindley's Great Cross. Our section also has a bit of a literary history - the ferry of ‘Mr Polly’ fame was set in our section of the river. Perhaps it would become boring if we spent a full week on the river - but for a few hours or perhaps a day, the larger scale river views make a charming alternative to the canals.