Monarch's Way - into Worcester

We continued along the Severn,...

...spending some time looking at this magnificent cantilevered structure, opened in 2010.

Apparently it was built to encourage people to get fit (there's a circular walk along the river, across this bridge, and crossing back again by the main Worcester bridge - about 2.5 miles)

There's a great view of the cathedral from here

By the side, Cavaliers, Roundheads, Bobby Moore, and er, someone else. 

There is a mighty weir next to the locks 

The sign says DASS, but they are actually fishing for salmon

Formation swimming from the swans

Crocuses peeping through near the cathedral

By the cathedral also, these marks showing the depth (height?) of flooding on various occasions.

This marker (red arrow) is from 12th February 2014 (exactly a year ago). Compare it to the height of the ladies 

A little further along, the sign for the 
imaginatively named Worcester and Birmingham Canal. To get to Birmingham: 30 miles 58 locks! (Mostly by Tardebigge, scene of my New Year's Day walk)

A tiny Monarch's Way sticker confirms we're on track.

Diglis Basin

I just had to try the Cafe Afloat. "The best bacon sandwiches in Worcester", I was told. I had some lovely lemon drizzle cake.  

Inside the cafe - (I definitely recommend it.)

Back out in the basin...

...there are boats everywhere. 

 Tomorrow: leaving the canal to discover some of Worcester's historic buildings, including the King's House, where Charles II tried to hide after the battle.

Today's Walk: Part of the first section of the Monarch's Way, tracing the route of Charles II as he fled the Battle of Worcester. The first section is from Powick to Worcester, and is about 4.5 miles  - flat and easy to walk, with lots to see along the way. Buses to Powick run about every 15 mins, so it's really easy to walk here