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THE STOURPORT RING

30th May - 6th June 2026

The intrepid and famous crew were again anxious to prove to the world their extreme narrowboating skills by attempting to transit the Stourport Ring in just 1 week.    Although experienced narrowboaters said it was impossible, the crew were confident of success and after meticulous planning gathered for the journey down to Bromsgrove and the Stoke Prior boatyard.    They were acutely aware that failing to reach the boatyard by 9am on Saturday 6th June, would have grave consequences.

Saturday 30th May

• Cunningly the crew arranged to meet at Waitrose in Bromsgrove for a rapid 'click and collect' of their provisions for the week.   The boatyard had allocated Narrowboat 'Ayda' to the crew for the week and allowed the boat to commence its journey, having waived all the formalities, allowing departure shortly after 1pm and heading towards the 35 difficult Tardebigge locks.  They showed no fear!
   

  The Tardebigge flight of 35 locks were accomplished with ease by the skilled crew.   All was calm as the crew chose to visit 'The Tarebigge' for their dinner. Although the beer and food were adequate, they were not over impressed with the establishment

Sunday 31st May

• The crew rose at a reasonable hour knowing that just 1 lock and the1.75 mile Wast Hill tunnel lay ahead of them, before arrival at their destination in Gas Street Basin, Birmingham

  No fear was shown, as the crew passed another ghostly ship in the Wast Hill Tunnel.  No disasters occurred

  Tom 2 was picked up as we passed the Botanical Gardens and helped crew the boat safely into Birmingham

  After safely mooring the boat and topping the freshwater tanks, Tom was escorted by Tom 2 to meet his new grandson, leaving the remaining crew to aimlessly visit the drinking establishments of Gas Street Basin

  The delights of the Malt House were sampled before, for old times sake, they returned to 'All Bar One' to while away the afternoon and raise a glass to Ron, before visiting Zizzi's for their wholesome pizza dinner

  The tired crew retired for the night after an excellent evening in Gas Street Basin, knowing that they would have to traverse the feared Netherton Tunnel the following day

Monday 1st June

• The crew spent a good night in Birmingham reflecting on the challenges that they had achieved to date.

  Early in the morning the Narrowboat Ayda was seen slipping its moorings, as it headed into the depth of the Black Country

  Incredible bravery was witnessed as the crew took the narrowboat through the 3,027 yard long Netherton Tunnel. After the stress of the tunnel the crew wisely chose to stop for coffee and water at the Bumble Hole cafe and explore the nature reserve

  The crew recalled a number of locals who had wished to join previous missions.   However, on reflection, they considered that their suggestion to "WAIT till we passed again', to have been a little unwise.

  The crew became concerned when Bob appeared to became emotional on the long sections of canal.   However they quickly dismissed his distress as hay-fever.   With only one lock to negotiate in the pouring rain, the crew enjoyed the countryside.

  The crew were jubilant to pull into the Waterfront Office Complex for their planned overnight stop.   They were however, disappointed at the run down state of the area since their last visit, with dozens of closed units and restaurants.   The promised Indian Restaurant was closed and they looked at the opportunities of Wetherspoons and the nearby Brierley Hop House.   The Hop House was rejected as it had no draft ale and the crew ate at 'The Waterfront Inn', which was the local Wetherspoons establishment

Tuesday 2nd June

• The crew rose early and elected to partake in a healthy breakfast at Wetherspoons.   They also found a small provisions shop to buy milk and some vegetable Samosas (Except Tom who chose Lamb)
   

  After setting off, the crew soon hit the Delph Locks and set into their efficient locking routine.

  DISASTER OCCURRED After completing the eight Delph Locks, Jon and Ed were left alone onboard, as the remaining crew members marched ahead to Leys Junction and the Stourbridge Locks.   Jon and Ed were horrified to find that the tiller was not responding to directions so tied up to investigate.   Heroically Jon lifted the reed hatch and dived into the rear bulkhead to unravel a pile of material wrapped around the propeller.

  Passing the famous Red House Glass Cone museum indicated a successful completion of the Stourbridge locks, but knew that the Stourton Locks lay ahead of them.

  	ANOTHER DISASTER OCCURRED Passing the Stourton Locks in the rain, we were warned that the canal had been closed because of a fallen tree!!    WILL THE MISSION HAVE TO ABANDONED!

  Although others warned against it, Tom headed at full speed towards the blockage determined to get through at all costs.    Hitting the fragile spinning propeller on a submerged tree trunk would be terminal, but he cunningly cut the power at the precise moment of riding over the hidden trunk.   A true professional saving the day!! SEE THE VIDEO OF THE ENTIRE MANEUVER   View Video

  As the journey continued, the crew were impressed with the new lighting in the 'Dunsley Tunnel' as they sped through towards their destination

  After the traumas of the day, Bob can be seen opening to final lock before mooring for the evening at "The Vine" in Kinver.

  After dinner in The Vine, Tom noticed that there was a Irish Folk session starting in the adjacent bar.   It became impossible to stop Tom from joining in and soon Tom had a new best mate.

Wednesday 3rd June

• The crew awoke to tackle the remaining section of the Staffs and Worcs Canal in an attempt to reach Stourport for the evening.

  With fond memories of picking up Brian on a previous adventure, the crew moored outside "The Watermill" in Kidderminster for some lunchtime refreshment.    Brian failed to show, so the crew continued on their mission to reach Stourport before sunset.

  Only a few locks remained on the last section of the Staffs and Worcs canal, before they pulled into the outskirts of Stourport.  A quick stop at the 'Bird in Hand' revealed a tired pub doing no food!!

  It became apparent that good food was not easily available as they moored in Stourport.  They therefore settled for some excellent ale at 'The Angel' before eating (and drinking) at 'The Black Star'

  'The Black Star' proved most acceptable to the crew for their evening's entertainment

   

Thursday 4th June

• The crew arose at an early hour knowing that just three locks, including two feared staircase locks lay between them and the fast flowing River Severn.
   

  Tom can be seen supervising the operation of the first lock leading them into the vast Stourport basin.  Now just two Staircase Locks separated them from the traitorous river.

  As their fate was unknown, the crew assembled for a group photo in front 'Narrowboat Ayda' as they filled their freshwater tanks to the very brim.

  At the first giant lock on the River Severn, Bob showed some doubt as to which rope to pull as they tied up in the first giant River Severn lock   Before long Worcester came into view.

  Due to divers repairing the Diglis Basin pump system, the crew moored briefly at the Sabrina foot and cycle bridge so as to meet their booked passage time of 4pm through the locks

  The crew admired views of Worcester as they prepared to make the difficult turn into the Worcester & Birmingham canal and the two double width Diglis Locks.   An excellent mooring spot in Worcester was found and Bob tested the mooring lines for security.

   

• The crew after some drinks at the Kings Head and recommendations from some locals, selected dinner at the nearby "Thai on 7evern", which proved to be an excellent and memorable choice, with exquisite Thai dishes.
   

Friday 5th June

• The Narrowboat 'Ayda' gently slipped its mooring at an early hour and travelled the short distance to the first lock of the day in Worcester.
   

  Many interesting locks were passed as the crew headed up the Worcester & Birmingham canal toward Stoke Prior and the boatyard

  Despite the picturesque cottages on-route, the crew were disappointed at the number of closed pubs that they passed.   The exited crew were pleased to see lights on in the Eagle and Sun, but soon discovered it closed and to be re-opening in a few weeks.   The crew therefore took the opportunity to take coffee and Magnums in the nearby marina.

  As per normal instructions, the narrowboat was gently moored outside the Boat & Railway, but the crew discovered to their horror, that food was only being served until 4:30, because of some issues in the kitchen!   A call to the boatyard confirmed that they could moor there and booked a table at the nearby 'Navigation Inn'.   They served excellent cask ale and had a limited, but good selection of Indian food.

Saturday 6th June

• As the narrowboat was already at its destination, the crew were quick to offload their belongings and commence their respective journeys home, after agreeing that this had been a testing but enjoyable adventure.   They all agreed to attempt another mission in 2027.

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