Worcester Evening News – May 2009
A great way to relax in the heart of the city.
Are we making the most of Worcester’s pretty canals and the River Severn?
Porcha Treanor spent a day afloat to see what they have to offer
One of the most eye opening ways to enjoy Worcestershire’s scenery is most definitely by boat. The endless network of canals and, of course, the River Severn, opens up a whole new world and an alternative view of the beautiful county we live in. The friendly, calming atmosphere is a fantastic environment in which to truly relax and take it all in.
I spent time on a 60ft boat from Viking Afloat, a narrowboat hire company that has a base at Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester, where its impressive fleet has also been built.
After being welcomed on to the distinctive yellow and maroon vessel, I had a quick look around the six-berth accommodation and found it was surprisingly well-equipped and generous – though obviously narrow!
And then it was straight out on to the deck and into the sunshine.
It was hard to believe there were people stuck in fume-filled jams on city roads just yards away as we sailed with ease through the city.
The fascinating history that surrounds the 200-year old canals becomes almost immediately obvious as old industrial buildings stand on their banks, which were once bustling with men off-loading cargo.
But just a few minutes on, the buildings give way to beautiful countryside where a host of wildlife can be enjoyed as well as passing friendly waves with strangers.
British Waterways Vicky Blower was also enjoying the trip along her company’s canals.
She said more and more people were using the waterways for all kinds of leisure activities every year – quite the opposite use for which they were originally intended.
“The canals were originally built to transport goods to hundreds of industries but around the 1850’s there was real pressure from roads and railways.
“This is when they began their steady decline and, until the 1980’s many of the country’s waterways were disused, overgrown and derelict.
“But in 1984, British Waterways began a 20-year programme to improve and restore them – much of which we can see in Worcestershire such as the huge Droitwich restoration and Worcester’s Diglis basin. Properties on waterfronts are now exclusive and sought after.
The first sign that a little exertion may be required on my part was when we approached a lock. The old, but ingenious contraptions work as well as the day they were built and, although a little elbow grease is required to get the handles moving, it is an enjoyable part of the whole experience.
Managing Director of Viking Afloat, Edward Helps, said that after around an hour’s coaching, most people were quite capable of taking the helm and navigating the locks.
“We spend varying amounts of time with holidaymakers showing them the ropes before they go it alone but we make sure they are safe and confident.
“Many have a slight wobble at first but are soon off enjoying their holiday. The canals are such a friendly place, anyone who gets stuck will soon find someone who is happy to help – and there are also poles provided on the boats so people can punt themselves in the right direction if they have trouble.”
After another few locks, I fond we were calmly chugging towards the River Severn. It was here I became unsure about the whole experience as currents, fellow boaters, canoeists, countless swans, ducks, fish and various other obstacles were now sharing the water.
And it was at this point that I took the rudder. But, after the initial ‘wobble’ I had been warned about, it was actually very enjoyable and not too hard. After a short while – and a bridge and a turn in the water – I took my place back at the front of the boat and enjoyed a lovely view of Worcester Cathedral.
Before I knew it we were pulling back into the docks and the trip was complete. I was left with a determination that I would organise such a trip again for my friends in the future. It is easy to forget how to relax and take life at a much slower pace – even if you can only spare a few days, it does show the county of Worcestershire from a very different angle indeed.
And with millions of pounds being spent making more of the canals accessible – including the Droitwich Barge and Junction canals with £10.5 million of funding – there is no better time to take to the water.
