Tardebigge

We always go for a walk on New Year's Day
This one was cold and dull, with heavy rain forecast. The planned distant foray was cancelled, and we decided on something closer to home.

This walk is ideal. Lots to see, and good views. It starts here by the church in Tardebigge, Worcestershire (near Bromsgrove). There's an excellent free car park, too

Turning left onto the canal,

in a very short time you reach Tardebigge Top Lock.

Part way down the flight there's a reservoir which looks a bit bleak here, but probably looks lovely sparkling in the sun!

There were a few walkers out. (And the occasional passenger)

The locks continued - there are 30 in the flight, making it England's longest.

Finally we reached the Bottom Lock.

Not too get too excited, because within 800 metres is the Stoke flight of a further 6 locks

There are lots of hire boats moored up for the winter here at Stoke Prior Wharf. And look at the ice on the canal. Still large chunks

The boats were four moored four deep in places. They are all from Black Prince Narrow boats. I did wonder whether to hire a boat and start off with 36 locks on day one was actually such a good idea.

The problem with the walk was that we started at the top, and walked downhill. So the return journey of this out and back walk featured a good amount of ascent. About 400 feet.

As you can see, the towpath is is in very good condition, so this is a good walk in wet conditions.

Just by the start/finish was Tardebigge Tunnel. About 3/4 miles long, with no towpath.

The whole walk was 7.75 miles. I wanted to do at least 8, so this wasn't a bad guess.
Was it a good walk? Yes. I'd definitely do it again. Good surface, easy route-finding. Good views. Interesting all the way. I might plan in a meal at one of the waterside pubs - but this was New Year's Day, and I was trying to walk off the Christmas excess (again) along the way

The route: Park at Tardebigge church and follow the Birmingham-Worcester Canal as far as you would like to go. Then return. To Stoke Prior wharf and return is 7.75 miles.