End of the line at Sharpness

The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal was created to bypass the bends of the River Severn estuary, starting at Sharpness and rejoining the river at Gloucester Lock.

For us, Low Bridge at Sharpness blocked our passage and so was the end of the line. We reversed back under High Bridge and moored on the towpath. A stone wall divided us from the broad Severn Estuary, where tall grasses marked the high tide line. We really enjoyed watching the waters rushing in and out, exposing sand and silt at low tide.

There is the option to arrange a pilot to accompany you beyond the bridges, through a huge lock and down the estuary to Bristol. A number of large pleasure cruisers passed our moorings, having come up this route, but it is risky for flat bottomed narrow boats like Rainboat. It needs a lot of organisation and the right weather conditions, so we gave it a miss.

We walked up the arm

Branching off the mainline is a private dead end arm, home to many permanently moored vessels. Beyond this is a lifeboat station positioned on a point projecting out into the river.
The surrounding area is highly industrialised. Many of the large corrugated metal factories and processing sheds seemed abandoned, not just shut for the weekend. Grass and low tree cover have retaken brownfield land.

We stepped out to explore with the dogs several times, but soon turned back as we were caught in the intermittent downpours. Leaving Tiger and Leo in the dry we went in search of lunch at the only eatery for miles around; the Dockers Social Club (open to non members). They were short staffed so had saved so were only serving cooked meals that evening, when England were playing in the Euros. Still, we stopped for a drink, some crisps and a couple of games of pool. Like the Tudor Arms at Slimbridge, the Dockers Club had a skittle alley, only this one was being used by three local lads. Apparently there are 12 teams and three leagues, although some pubs have closed so several teams are having to practice at neighbouring alleys.

The following day we popped the dogs in their carry bags, crossed Low Bridge, walked through the industrial estate to a viewpoint on the far side of the huge lock. There was a grassy picnic area here, where the canal met the river. Vicky persuaded Will to linger a little longer here before we set off back to the Dockers Club for Sunday lunch. As we walked, clouds rolled in, transforming the sky to an intense storm grey. It was eerily quiet, as if others knew something we didn't. Next thing we knew there was lightening, thunder and big fat raindrops falling in a torrent. The umbrellas kept us dry from the waist up and the dogs were ok in their bags, but we squelched into the club with sodden shoes and trousers 🫤 Will really wished he hadn't listened to Vicky and we'd set off back when he wanted to!Läs mer