Droitwich to Worcester and the Severn
Route facts
Waterways:
River Severn »
Droitwich Barge Canal »
Distance: 10 miles / 16 km
Duration: Three to four hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Everyone
Starts at: Vines Park, Droitwich
Ends at: Diglis Basin, Worcester
A rewarding and varied walk following Britain's longest river and one of its earliest canals.
This walk takes in almost the entire length of the Droitwich Barge Canal, one of canal pioneer James Brindley's earliest works. It then follows the mighty River Severn on its way into Worcester, approaching the city on the little-walked east bank.
This is a perfect one-way waterway walk - take the train from Worcester to Droitwich, then walk back at your leisure. The views are delightfully varied, from quiet pastures to the impressive bulk of Worcester Cathedral.
The Droitwich Barge Canal is set to reopen to boats in the next few years, making this walk a 'sneak preview' of a charming rural route. The route is rich in wildlife, both in the canal's reedbeds and in the parallel River Salwarpe, where otters have been sighted.
There are no pubs on the country stretch, so bring some sandwiches and a drink.
Getting there
Public transport: Frequent trains run between Worcester stations (hourly from Shrub Hill, at least two per hour from Foregate Street) and Droitwich Spa.
Waypoints
1. Droitwich Spa station
If you're arriving by train, follow the road east from the station (that's the side with the shop and ticket office). When you come to a roundabout, turn left, signposted Town Centre. Before long, you'll see the canal on the left - this is Vines Park. Cross the canal on the swing-bridge and turn left.
2. Vines Park, Droitwich
Head west along the canal. You'll pass the wide Netherwich Basin, looking very empty and awaiting the return of boats. Continue under the two railway bridges out of Droitwich. After two miles, the suburbs recede and you enter the quiet Worcestershire countryside. Look out for the spot, next to a wooden seat, where the canal suddenly narrows with brick walls either side - the site of an old swingbridge.
3. Ladywood Lock 1
Soon, you'll reach the first lock on the Barge Canal, a remarkably pretty situation with the lock cottage alongside. The one narrowboat currently on the canal is usually moored here. The first three locks have all been restored, but immediately afterwards, the canal is heavily reeded and navigation ends. As the towpath opens out onto a road by a picnic area, you'll have to follow the road for 50 yards, rejoining the towpath at the other side of the bridge.
4. Mildenham Mill Lock 6
Keep walking, past the original farm accommodation bridge (Linacre Bridge) to Mildenham Mill Lock, structurally restored but currently without gates. The River Salwarpe, with a good reputation for wildlife, is close on the right here. After three-quarters of a mile, the canal is blocked by a main road and disappears into a pipe. Follow the footpath to the right up to the main road.
5. A449 crossing
This busy dual carriageway is the biggest single obstacle to restoration of the Droitwich Barge Canal, which we leave here. Cross the road, taking extra care. Walk left along the footpath, then turn down a drive marked 'The King's School, Hawford'. Follow the road to the left, then turn right down a dead-end country lane. At the end of the lane, with a private drive on the right, follow the footpath left. Continue along here and you will soon be walking along the River Severn.
6. Bevere Lock and Island
When you reach a wall dead ahead, turn 90 degrees right and follow the path down the edge of a wood. At the bottom of the wood, turn left into the water-meadow and walk along the Severn. The river parts around Bevere Island - note the elegant bridge. You'll pass an impressive weir, with the lock on the opposite bank. Continue along the path for two miles until you reach the outskirts of Worcester.
7. Northwick, Worcester
Eventually, the riverside path ends and you'll turn left up a passage. Turn right at the top, and follow the signs for Worcester Bridge, along a leafy unadopted road and through a new housing estate. When the road bends to the left, follow it round then take the signposted footpath to the right. Cross a park and look out for the elegant pump house on the right. Turn right after this, then follow the road round until you reach Worcester Racecourse and the river again.
8. Worcester Racecourse
This elegant waterside racecourse was the location for a recent National Waterways Festival. The tree-lined path follows the river along the edge of the racecourse. Keep walking past the stands, underneath the pedestrian bridge and railway bridge, until you reach the main road and Worcester Bridge.
9. Worcester Bridge
The only road crossing in the whole city, this bridge stands a few yards south of the original medieval crossing. Continue along the banks of the river, through the grounds of the stunning Worcester Cathedral - well worth a detour. You can end your walk here if you like and head into the city centre for Foregate Street station, but if you have the time, continue along the river to discover the canal heritage at Diglis Basin.
10. Diglis Junction
After the boat-houses beside the river, a footbridge marks the junction of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal with the River Severn. Cross it and turn left beside the locks, complete with resident keeper's cottage. The evocative basins are full of craft of all sizes, from traditional narrowboats to coastal cruisers which have ventured up the Severn. Continue along the canal to the Commandery, just by the next lock.
11. The Commandery
This charming half-timbered building by the canal was Charles II's headquarters during the Battle of Worcester, one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War. Continue along the canal, passing a bridge, another lock, a modern industrial estate, and turn right at the second next bridge. Head up to the main road and turn right. This will take you to Worcester Shrub Hill station for your transport home.
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