The Big One

After tackling 'a big one' in terms of tunnels, we were ready for 'the big one' in terms of lock flights. This was the Tardebigge flight which is so big that it really does represent a boater's Right of Passage.

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

Now You See Me, Now You Don't ...

As we chugged out of Birmingham the next day we were all feeling a little sad. This was not because of the after effects of the curry, because we were starting out on the homeward leg of our journey, which was now almost at an end.

Still, it was to be a good trip back to the Black Prince base at Stoke Prior, including two tests of canal boating skill.


The first was the Wast Hill tunnel, which we are approaching in my picture. This is a real biggie and it is 2726 yards long (that's nearly 3 km for those who have gone metric). This might sound long, (and it is long) but even so, it is only the 4th longest navigable tunnel on the canal system.

Canal tunnels are inevitably dark, gloomy and can be very wet, with lots of water dripping from the ceiling. The helmsman has to put on waterproofs and then those of us who are resting in the life ring on the hatch roof, all take cover from the wet, by sheltering under a minder's jacket .


As it was Polar's first tunnel of any size, he couldn't resist the temptation to look out, even though we did tell him there was nothing to see in the dark. As you can see, he perfected the technique of being able to look out and still stay dry.

The British Waterways sign at the tunnel entrance said that travelling time for the tunnel was about 1 hour. That must be for very nervous drivers who are timidly creeping along. Our guide book said that it would take about half an hour to negotiate and, being confident boaters, we did it in even less (without speeding of course).

When we entered the tunnel we were still in the urban sprawl of the West Midlands. By the time we had come out, we had reached the charming countryside of north-east Worcestershire - quite a change!

Lots of love, Eddie, Polar and crew xxx