Droitwich to Sharpness

[robtheplod]

Hi all

 

We're hoping to do the trip from Droitwich marina to Sharpness this coming April if possible.... I know its all dependent on the Severn at the time but if I recall i also need to be aware of tides around Gloucester?  I've googled but it all seems to relate to the bore - not sure thats it? Is there a place i can get all the info needed?

 

thanks!!

 

rob

[Rod Stewart]

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/gloucester-and-sharpness-canal/sharpness-port

 

I would have thought the Gloucester lock keeper would be a good contact.

[Francis Herne]

Tide forecasts for Sharpness at https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables/12/522a

 

High spring tides over 7.8m, usually for a few days around new or full moons, will overtop the weirs at Gloucester and cause the river to flow upstream. Very high ones to well past Tewkesbury. The outgoing tide is correspondingly strong.

 

You can steer clear of those days altogether, or take advantage of it by leaving Gloucester just before the tide turns so you travel upriver with it. The tide reaches Maisemore weir about an hour after high water at Sharpness, and you must be out of the parting by then. Leave some time to spare (which you'll spend going almost backwards around Ashleworth) then the tide catches you up and takes you quite rapidly upstream.

 

Going downstream on a falling tide is possible but a bit scary, especially when you get to Gloucester to find some trees have got there first. Not sure I'd do that again.

 

In either case check with Gloucester lock keeper for advice on times and to check the lock/parting aren't obstructed by debris which is very common. Call again when approaching the parting so they can have the gates open for you. Stopping on the chains above the lock isn't easy if there's a flow.

 

Be aware of the shortage of moorings below Worcester - in particular, the one at Ashleworth is now closed, and Haw Bridge pontoon only holds one full-length boat or a couple of cruisers, so you can't rely on mooring anywhere between Lower Lode and Gloucester. Tewkesbury is all paid-for and needs an ANT license, Upton is often full in the summer although breasting up is common (but April is probably fine).

Edited December 27, 2024 by Francis Herne

[robtheplod]

thanks for the replies... i thought i needed to plan this and looks like i was right.... !!

[Rod Stewart]

We did the trip from stourport to sharpness many moons ago. It was a lovely experience. The best source of info was from the lock keepers. As long as the weather is good, it''ll be fine. I think the bit we were most apprehensive about was waiting for, and entering Gloucester lock, as we had heard it was a bit tricky. It was fine in the end.

[Rob-M]

I just used to avoid the immediate days around the full moon and never had any issues.  Travelling to Gloucester when the river was on amber made for a quick trip but interesting stopping on the wall at Gloucester lock.

[blackrose]

21 hours ago, robtheplod said:

thanks for the replies... i thought i needed to plan this and looks like i was right.... !!

 

I didn't do much planning to go onto the Severn at Gloucester to go upstream to Tewkesbury. All I did was chat to the lockkeeper after mooring up in Gloucester the day before. After you've been out on the estuary and come into Sharpness you don't worry about the Severn so much.