There are 30 locks in the Tardebigge flight with another 6, the Stoke Locks, close by, which gives a grand total of 36 locks in 4 miles. Compared to this, all other flights pale into insignificance. The time it takes to go through is roughly the interval between meals. If you set off after an early breakfast and work efficiently, you should be through by lunchtime; if you set off after lunch, you will be ready for your evening meal at the end of the flight. It is therefore rather a shame that, while there is a pub close to the bottom lock, the one close to the top lock now appears to be shut!
As you can see from my relaxed mode, the Tardebigge flight didn't phase me or my crew. In fact some of my crew had done the flight the other way round a few years ago. Ungi told me that he'd done the full flight on his first ever full day of canal boating. Sadly I wasn't around in those days, but I metaphorically took my hat off to Ungi, Jimmy & Fred who were.
We agreed with our Pearson's guide book which says 'well maintained and surrounded by fine countryside, with wonderful views to the Malvern Hills, Tardebigge Locks are there to be enjoyed not dreaded'.
On this occasion, we didn't do all the locks in one go. We did nearly a quarter of them late on the last evening of our holiday, so we didn't have too much of a rush in the morning, as we had to return our boat at lunchtime. We walked all the way down from our mooring to have a meal in the Queen's Head (good food & wonderful beers) near the bottom lock. It was a surprisingly long walk, but with the locks covering 4 miles, this was hardly surprising.
We tackled most of the flight the next morning and got through in record time (we know if was quick, but we forgot to write down how quick).
Hope you like the picture of us relaxing at the bottom lock after all the work was over. As you can see the sun was shining which was a wonderful reward. I don't suppose doing Tardebigge would be half as much fun in the rain.
Lots of love, Eddie, Ungi, Jimmy, Fred & Co xxx
2 comments:
It Certainly was a big set of locks, I'm sure you needed a couple of pints of the local brew after all those locks!
Yes a few pints of beer were very much appreciated after all that locking. Eddie is a very professional Captain and wouldn't drink while sailing but we all enjoyed a pint later!
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