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Wide beam section up to bridge 15 (Barge Lock 8)
Take care using the navigable culvert under the M5 as it has very low headroom. Although the headroom is normally 6ft (1.8m), it can vary depending to the flow from the Body Brook into the canal. It's good advice to use the gauge at the culvert entrance before navigating through.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductToday, the Droitwich Canals serve as a vital part of the Mid Worcestershire Ring, a 21-mile circular cruising route that connects the Droitwich Canals, the River Severn, and the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. This ring is a favourite among boaters for its scenic beauty, varied landscapes, and historic charm.
For Boaters
The canals are now a bustling hub for narrowboat enthusiasts, offering excellent mooring facilities and a serene route through the Worcestershire countryside. The integration with the Mid Worcestershire Ring adds an element of adventure and exploration for modern boaters.
For Walkers and Anglers
The towpaths along the Droitwich Canals have been revitalised, creating beautiful walking routes that attract locals and tourists alike. Anglers also frequent the canals, which are home to a variety of fish species, making it a peaceful spot for fishing.
Wildlife Haven
The restored canals are not just a triumph of heritage preservation—they are also a thriving ecosystem. Birds, aquatic species, and plant life have flourished along the waterway, making it a haven for wildlife and a delight for nature enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Droitwich Canals are a shining example of how restoration can breathe new life into historical landmarks. From their beginnings as essential trade routes for the salt industry to their modern-day role as a vibrant part of the Mid Worcestershire Ring, these canals continue to captivate and inspire. Whether you’re boating, walking, or simply soaking in the tranquil surroundings, the Droitwich Canals offer a unique journey through Britain’s industrial and natural heritage.
The Droitwich Canals, a pair of interconnected waterways, wind through the picturesque town of Droitwich Spa in Worcestershire, England. These canals—the Droitwich Barge Canal and the Droitwich Junction Canal—stand as a testament to Britain’s rich industrial past and its vibrant canal heritage.
The Droitwich Barge Canal
The Droitwich Barge Canal, constructed in 1771, was the first of the two canals. Engineered by the renowned James Brindley, it was designed primarily to transport salt from the thriving saltworks of Droitwich to the River Severn. This route, stretching just over three miles, featured eight locks to manage elevation changes as it made its way eastward. The canal provided a direct, efficient method for moving Droitwich’s famous salt to markets across the country.
The Droitwich Junction Canal
Eighty years later, in 1854, the Droitwich Junction Canal was completed to link the Barge Canal with the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. This shorter canal, spanning just over a mile, included eight locks to facilitate navigation. Its creation strengthened Droitwich’s connections to Birmingham and other industrial centres, making it a vital transportation artery for goods and materials.
Droitwich’s Rich Salt Heritage
The history of salt production in Droitwich dates back to Roman times, and the town was a bustling hub for salt extraction throughout the medieval period. By the 18th century, Droitwich’s salt industry was thriving, and the canals played a crucial role in ensuring its continued success. Before the canals, salt was transported by pack-horse, a labour-intensive and inefficient process. The introduction of the Droitwich Barge Canal revolutionised transportation, enabling faster and cheaper distribution of salt via boat.
Decline and Restoration
Like many of Britain’s canals, the Droitwich Canals fell into disuse during the 20th century, as railways and roads became the dominant forms of transport. By 1939, the canals were largely abandoned, with sections becoming overgrown and nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding countryside.
However, renewed interest in canal preservation during the 1970's and 1980's led to ambitious restoration efforts. Spearheaded by the Droitwich Canals Trust, local volunteers, and British Waterways (now the Canal & River Trust), the canals underwent extensive repairs. This included dredging the waterways, restoring locks and bridges, and reconstructing missing sections. After decades of dedication and hard work, the canals were fully reopened to navigation in 2011.
Lock Numbering
Droitwich Barge Canal locks Number 1 to 8 going East from the River Severn.
Droitwich Junction Canal locks Number 8 to 1 going East to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.
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