Worcestershire Wander

Take a walk that combines two contrasting waterways: the broad reaches of the river severn, and the rural meanderings of the droitwich barge canal.

- Martin Ludgate

Until six years ago, following the towpath would have been the only way to enjoy this month’s route from Worcester to Droitwich – but all that changed in 2011 with the reopening of the Droitwich Canals to navigation after almost four decades of restoration work.

So now you can make the journey by boat too. However, it’s still an enjoyable walk, enlivened today by the passage of boats rather than the chance to catch up on restoration progress.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves: the first three miles follow the River Severn, starting at the 1781 five-arch main road bridge near the centre of Worcester city. Although our walk follows the east side of the river, you have the choice of following the west bank for the first quarter mile before crossing on a footbridge: do make sure you cross the bridge because it’s seven miles to the next one – in fact, the navigable lengths of the river are noted for the scarcity of crossing points.

If you choose the east bank, you will start out along North Parade before bearing left onto a footway where the road leaves the river. A flight of steps descends to follow the riverbank past the town moorings and rowing club, with the racecourse above you to the right.

It all looks very rural and you could be forgiven for thinking the city has been left behind, but, in fact, you will pass through more of the built-up area first.