On Monday, we (that's two of us on Epiphany) entered Tardebigge Top Lock 58 at 12:57 and exited Lock 41 at 15:24, meeting no boats on the way. I make that 2 hours 27 minutes. Despite a boat having gone up earlier, there was hardly a lock that didn't need topping up in order to open the top gate, and many were empty.
On Tuesday we entered Lock 40 at 09:55, exited Tardebigge Bottom Lock at 11:47 (1 hour 52 mins) and Stoke Bottom Lock at 13:07 (1 hour 20 minutes).
You might have "heard of" but I bet you haven't "seen"! In any case, there's a view to be enjoyed, don't forget!
We moored at Halfway House Bridge (between locks 41 & 40)- no problem, but there were few boats around.
There are good semi-rural moorings North of Bridge 41 at the top of the Astwood Flight. We moored there last night.
Or you could moor near the Stoke Sports Club (Stoke Works), South of Bridge 42, nearly opposite the Boat & Railway Pub.
Have a look at our blog for a few more details.