This is also part of the Mid Worcestershire Ring, which was completed in July 2011 by the opening of the Droitwich Canals.

Going North from the canal’s junction with the River Severn in the South of Worcester two double width locks take you up to Diglis Basin with Diglis Basin Marina off to the right.

The latter marina is a swell place with new expensive new apartments along the West and South side and majestic early 20th century houses overlooking it on an elevated bank on the East side. A super place and well kept.

Leaving Diglis takes you through urban areas of Worcester with some very interesting buildings and the main shopping and community area 400 yards North of Lock 3.

The route up to Bilford Top Lock 8 starts with some notable and picturesque heritage buildings and though in the real urban part of Worcester is somewhat divorced from it by much greenery – in a similar way that the W&B Canal  divorces itself from urban Birmingham through Edgbaston from Gas Street Basin. Very pleasant!

The route from Blackpole up to Offerton is plagued by pilons (Oh Why!) and new business parks, but is still rural and quite pleasant enough on a sunny day if you lower your horizon.

From Tibberton to Hanbury Junction is highly rural without locks but with some fine old bridges and  the Dunhampstead Tunnel.

The approach to Hanbury Junction is well presented with the commercial Hanbury Wharf on the left and the picturesque setting and views from the Eagle and Sun pub on the right.

Pass under Bridge 35 and the Droitwich Junction Canal branches to the left and the W&B carries straight on.

Toatal distance is 9.5 miles with 16 locks.

A Google map of the route drawn in red with waymarks for the photos in the slideshow is shown below.

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