Stourport Ring
Hours (Approx.): 50
Locks: 118
A very pleasant round trip with a little of everything in the way of scenery, with lots to see including Stourport, Worcester and Birmingham. Don't miss the Black Country Museum at Tipton or the Sea-Life Centre at Brindley Place.
Autherley to Mermaid Pub
Pick up boat at 2.30pm. After handover instructions, turn right out of Autherley Heading south, after two hours or so you will be at Wightwick Bridge 56, which is close to the Mermaid pub for the night.
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Points of Interest
A handy place to stop on your last night prior to returning your boat to our Autherley boatyard
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Points of Interest in Compton
Whether you're just looking to unwind after a long day at work or after a comfy corner to catch up with friends or family, you'll find it here. Our fully stocked bar is packed with beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks to see you through any occasion.
Dog Friendly.
Homely pub with intimate gardens and serving real ales and meal deals, plus live tribute bands.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 59,
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Fish & Chips close to the canal
Cantonese Restaurant & Takeaway
Sainsburys Local, Compton
Small Supermarket
Panelled, 18th-century country pub offering British dining, real ales and outside seating.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 56,
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Mermaid Pub to Kinver
Continue on towards The Bratch staircase of three locks dropping the boat down 30ft to the next level. There are shops and pubs in the next town Wombourne. Continue on through the picturesque Staffordshire countryside until you reach Kinver. This will be a good place to moor overnight
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Points of Interest
The Bratch Locks are a noted feature of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, planned by James Brindley, and opened in 1772 as a three lock staircase. They were later re-engineered as three separate locks. They are served by two bridges, a toll house, and a keeper's cottage. The whole forms a well-preserved example of vernacular Georgian architecture and design, built of mellow local brick.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Lockside,
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Wombourne is a village with a winding stream, a church, a canal and a railway. It offers scenic walks, wildlife, history and leisure facilities.
Points of Interest in Wombourne
Handy supermarket a few yards from the canal
Boots Pharmacy, Wombourne
Small local pharmacy
Half-timbered, canalside restaurant/pub with airy interior and beer garden serving classic food.
The Navigation Inn, Greensforge
Your quintessential country pub, offering traditional charm with a cosy atmosphere. Local ales and traditional food are a must try.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Greensforge Bridge (37),
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A large village a short distance from the canal.
Points of Interest in Kinver
Originally two converted cottages, it extended into adjacent cottages over the years and most internal walls were removed in 1980. It is now a one-roomed pub, it retains distinct areas on different levels, with the restaurant overlooking Kinver lock on the Staffs & Worcs canal. There are extensive canalside gardens.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 29,
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The Cross Inn at Kinver, an historic pub which dates back to the 1800s and forms part of the original village that grew up around the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Bridge 29,
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Kinver to Stourport Basin
10 miles and 8 locks will take you to Stourport basin, passing through the town of Kidderminster on the way
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Points of Interest
A village a few miles North of Kidderminster, on the southern section of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal
Points of Interest in Cookley
Cookley Fisheries Fish & Chip Shop
Fish & chips shop just a short walk from the canal
Handy for provisions, and right by the canal
Dog friendly Marston's pub.
Not only is The Eagle a destination venue for food and drink, we are also regularly showcase local talent via live music performances and traditional British Morris dancing! The Eagle is also a dog-friendly venue, so your furry friend doesn't need to be left out at home.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside by Bridge Road,
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The Lock Inn and Old Smithy Tearoom
Lockside Marstons Pub
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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A market town in Worcestershire, famous for it's carpet making history
Points of Interest in Kidderminster
Handy superstore with access direct from adjacent towpath moorings
Sainsburys, Kidderminster
Handy superstore right next to the canal, with towpath moorings
A canal town built around large basins that join the canal to the river Severn. Well worth exploring.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: The Canal Basins,
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Points of Interest in Stourport-on-Severn
The Black Star is an award-winning, dog friendly, traditional pub boasting a relaxing canal-side garden and a unique 18th century chapel. Serving an extensive menu of tasty homecooked food suitable for all dietary requirements, a fine selection of real ales, local ciders and specially selected spirits.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Canalside,
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The Hollybush Real Ales pub
A Black Country Ales Free house with 10 pumps. Children allowed only until 7pm
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Mitton Street Bridge,
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Fish & Chips takeaway near the canal, with online ordering.
Indian restaurant and takeaway, online ordering available.
Fish & Chip shop near the canal basin
Family friendly, dog friendly pub in the heart of Stourport.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: York Street bridge,
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Chinese Takeaway close to the canal
Section Summary: 10 miles, 8 Locks and 6 hours cruising
Stourport Basin to Worcester
Today sees you leave the Staffordshire & Worcester canal, and head downstream on the river Severn, mooring for the night on the river adjacent to Worcester Racecourse
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A shorter day today, giving you chance to explore Stourport before you leave, or Worcester after you arrive.
Points of Interest
Hampstall Inn (River Severn)
Dog friendly Country Pub & Restaurant with moorings. Well stocked with real ale & fantastic home cooked food.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Pontoon moorings on river,
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The Wharf Inn, River Severn
Riverside pub on the Severn
Worcester is a city with it's Cathedral having a commanding position next to the river Severn. Good moorings are to be found next to it's Horse racing course, and of course the city is full of amenities.
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There are far too many pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, museums etc. to list more than a handful here. We suggest you click the Google Map link, and Zoom in to browse what's available in this city.
Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Racecourse Moorings,
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Points of Interest in Worcester
Large chain supermarket, close to the river.
Maneki Ramen Japanese Restaurant & Takeaway
A Tokyo inspired Ramen shop, serving modern interpretations of Japanese noodle bowls + snacks. Bringing bold broths, juicy rice lager and crispy katsu, the kind of flavours that make you wanna slurp, chill, repeat.
Relaxed chain pub with big-screen sport, live music and Irish-influenced food and drink menus.
Norman-era, Gothic place of CofE worship containing the tomb of King John and a 235-step tower.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Racecourse Moorings,
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Section Summary: 12 miles, 7 locks, 5 hours cruising
Worcester to Tibberton
Leaving the River Severn today at Diglis Basin, you head up the Worcester & Birmingham canal
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Points of Interest
Asda Superstore, Worcester
Large chain supermarket, for all your provisions.
Large chain supermarket, 10 minutes walk from the canal
A Marston's pub built from a converted barn, with beer garden & children's play area. Dogs Welcome.
Canalside pub & dining. Two large gardens with one having great views of the canal, having a varied selection of firm pub favourite meals with a good selection on the specials board to suit all tastes.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Tibberton Bridge (25),
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Village pub in Tibberton with a beer garden.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Tolladine Bridge (22),
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Section Summary: 7 miles, 16 locks and 6 & 1/2 hours cruising
Tibberton to Stoke Pound
A shortish day today, finishing below the famous Tardebigge locks prior to tackling them tomorrow.
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Points of Interest
Waterside pub-restaurant with an airy hall, banquettes with cushions, pub grub and a beer garden.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Hanbury visitor moorings,
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Canalside pub with contemporary decor mixed with original features, live music and food including wood-fired pizzas. Large beer garden
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Towpath Moorings,
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Dog friendly Marston's chain pub & restaurant.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Stoke Works visitor moorings,
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The Navigation Inn, Bromsgrove
Pub serving food & takeaways
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Stoke Wharf,
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Section Summary: 8 miles, 12 locks and 5 & 1/4 hours cruising
Stoke Pound to Alvechurch
An energetic day today, passing through the longest lock flight on the UK canal system. 30 locks over a 2 & 1/4 mile stretch should see you getting a good workout!
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Points of Interest
Tardebigge Locks or the Tardebigge Flight is the longest flight of locks in the UK, comprising 30 narrow locks on a two-and-a-quarter-mile (3.6 km) stretch of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Tardebigge, Worcestershire. It raises the waterway 220 feet (67 m)
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Location: On Google Maps
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15 minute walk from Tardebigge Top Lock. Once part of the Earl of Plymouth’s estate, The Tardebigge houses a restaurant, bar area, large beer garden with a heated covered area and two private rooms.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Moorings between Tardebigge top lock & Tunnel,
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A large village in the Bromsgrove district of North-Eastern Worcestershire.
Points of Interest in Alvechurch
The Weighbridge Inn, Alvechurch
Real ales and pub grub in a snug, simple canalside inn with vintage photos, plus beer garden/patio. It won "Branch pub of the year 2024" from CAMRA
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Scarfield Hill Bridge (60),
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The Crown Inn, Alvechurch
A newly refurbished country pub, boasting an idyllic spot surrounded by rolling countryside and situated next to the Worcester and Birmingham canal, all this can be enjoyed relaxing in our beer garden or extensive rear patio.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Withybed Lane Bridge (61),
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Fish & Chip shop in Alvechurch, 3/4 miles from the canal.
A community pub serving a great range of Beers, Ales, Wines & Spirits. Doesn't Serve Food.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Withybed Lane Bridge (61),
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Smart village pub and restaurant with an updated pub-style menu, cask ales and a beer garden.
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Withybed Lane Bridge (61),
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New Dilshad Indian Restaurant and Takeaway
A contemporary Indian restaurant, where you can enjoy the taste of authentic Indian cuisine. We have a wide variety of dish’s to choose from, ranging from traditional dishes to exciting new additions.
Section Summary: 6 miles, 30 locks and 7 & 1/2 hours cruising
Alvechurch to Birmingham City Centre
A shorter day today, giving you time to visit Cadbury World, Birmingham City centre or other attractions, should you wish.
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Points of Interest
Home to the Cadbury's Chocolate Factory, Bournville is a 'Model Village' originally built to house the employees of the factory. Cadbury World is a popular tourist attraction.
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Location: On Google Maps
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Points of Interest in Bournville
A popular tourist attraction where a self-guided tour gives the history of chocolate, and of the Cadbury company
Large Chain Supermarket beside the canal. Handy for stocking up.
Right in the heart of Birmingham, this stop offers all the amenities you'd expect from England's vibrant "Second City".
Section Summary: 11 miles, 0 locks and 4 & 1/2 hours
Birmingham City Center to Tipton
A short day today, with just 3 locks and 4 hours cruising. This should leave you time to explore the City Center first thing, if you wish.
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Points of Interest
The Old Bush Bar & Grill, Tipton
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Location: On Google Maps
Best Access From: Towpath at Factory Junction,
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Section Summary: Just 9 miles, 3 locks and 4 hours cruising
Tipton to Autherley Junction
The last full day of your cruise. Only 8 miles, but lots of locks. Moor near the boatyard to return on time in the morning.
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Points of Interest
A flight of 21 locks with a rise of 132 feet overall, down from the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line at Wolverhampton to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal at Aldersley Junction.
Section Summary: 8 miles, 22 locks and 6 hours
Guidebooks / Maps
Pearson's Guide: Stourport & Black Country Rings Companion
Coverage within this Canal Companion include: River Severn (Worcester-Stourport); Staffs & Worcs Canal (Stourport to Great Haywood); BCN Main Line (Aldersley to Birmingham); Worcs & Birmingham Canal (Birmingham to Worcester); Birmingham & Fazeley Canal (Birmingham-Fazeley); Coventry Canal (Fazeley-Fradley); Trent and Mersey Canal (Fradley-Great Haywood); Stourbridge & Dudley Canals (Stourton-Netherton); BCN Northern Waters (Wolverhampton-Walsall-Brownhills).
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