Worcestershire Waterways day walk
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Join me for a leisurely 10 mile waterside walk from Worcester to Droitwich.
The town of Droitwich sits on natural brine springs which have brought the town considerable wealth from Roman times right up to more recent history as a Victorian spa town. Our route partly owes its existence to salt, too, as we will follow the Droitwich Barge Canal, opened in 1771 (reopened 2011) to carry it to the River Severn and downstream to Bristol.
Itinerary
Starting at Foregate Street Station we drop down to the racecourse to join the river. Quickly leaving the bright lights of Worcester behind, we will follow the Northwick Manor trail along the bank of the Severn. We pass Bevere Island where over the years Worcester citizens have taken refuge from the plague and from the King's troops and continue up to the canal at Hawford. This then winds through beautiful Worcestershire countryside to Droitwich following the contours of the land.
While its former glory is less evident today, the town still has a number of good pubs for a well-earned drink before the short walk to Droitwich station. Trains run twice an hour back to Worcester (journey time approx. 10 minutes) and once per hour on both the Birmingham Snow Hill line and to Birmingham New Street if you've come by train from that direction.
Getting there & parking
Worcester is served by regular trains from Birmingham (New St and Snow Hill) and Oxford (N.B. on the Oxford line there will be engineering works).
Please note there is no parking at Foregate Street station and only limited on-street parking in the surrounding area. You can park in the multistorey at Crowngate Shopping Centre which is less than 10 minutes' walk away all day for £1.
What to bring
Although the walk is flat, the canal towpath can be very uneven in places and muddy after rain so wear walking boots with good support. Please also remember sun lotion because there is little shade.
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Food & drink
You'll need a packed lunch plus snacks and plenty of water for what will hopefully be a nice summer's day!
We will, as usual, make a pub stop at the end of the walk.