Stourton to Bratch along the Monarch's Way

This is another of my May canal walks, but it also ties in with the Monarch's Way, a long distance path which I am walking a bit at a time.

So here is the start of today's section: Stourton Junction (where the Stourbridge Canal meets the Staffs and Worcs, just down from the Stewponey)

Stourton locks

  
Aqueduct over the River Stour...

...as explained by the sign on the far side

Much of this section has sides carved out of sandstone

The canalside plants are at their most lush at the moment. This is comfrey.

I think this is speedwell (please say if you know different)

Gothersley Bridge

The canal is just beautifully green at the moment, even on a dull day.

Bluebells just visible on the far bank

A boat negotiating Rocky Lock

Ashwood Nurseries is a popular Black Country spot. These are the backs of the green houses. The plants sold are of very good quality but a lot of people go to the cafe - fantastic: the cake portions are enormous!

Not surprisingly, the gardens are well designed and tended, and not visible from the road or the garden centre

More of the garden 

Just by the Navigation pub at Greensforge, a great mooring spot

Dandelion clocks

More tomorrow. Click here for the second half of this walk
Click here to see other walks

The Monarch's Way (click for more details) is a long distance path which traces the route of King Charles as he escaped after the Battle of Worcester. It was originally established by Trevor Antill, and is marked on Ordnance Survey maps. This is section 5, and is 7 miles easy walking.

Today's walk: Park at the bridge at the junction of the A449 and the A458 (the old Stewponey), leaving another car at Bratch(Wombourne). Follow the Staffs and Worcs Canal the whole way. About 7 miles. Or you can walk to the Navigation pub and return, either by the same route, or by walking along Greensforge Lane. These routes are both 6 miles.