Wolverley to Stewponey
Scan any map of England and the grey urban patch in the middle It's a slice of tranquillity, a retreat from the nearby urban wilderness, with leafy waters, caves and mighty red sandstone rocks perilously overhanging the canal. The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal is a stunner, and on this section, you won't find any negative reference to the industrial towns it borders... and if you happen to pass a local dog walker, you can expect a typically warm Midlanders' hello. This is a walk that literally takes you to the edge - Kinver Edge is National Trust land, a sweeping landscape with high views as far as the Cotswolds on a clear day.
About the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal
Known as the 'Staffs & Worcs' Length: 46 miles Locks: 43 inc. Bratch Locks (an unusual staircase of 3 locks), Botherham Staircase (2 locks) & Stourport Basin Staircase (2 locks) Aqueducts: 9 Tunnels: 2 Engineer: James Brindley Completed: 1772    
Walk 03 Wolverley to Stewponey
Approx distance: 6¼ miles Staffs & Worcestershire Canal
Start: Wolverley Grid ref: SO831791 Finish: Stewponey Grid ref: SO861848 
At Wolverley Lock, turn onto the towpath with the canal on your right, and follow its winding leafy route through red sandstone and trees. The canal bends almost back on itself then straightens again towards Debdale Lock. The lock side reveals an intriguing small cave, once chiselled into the rock to provide overnight stabling for boat horses. Once through the short Cookley Tunnel, look around and you'll see a row of cottages perched above.
Austcliff Rock juts out causing many a boat to scrape its paintwork! The canal feels more isolated for a while, passing a stone erected by the Staffs & Worcs Canal Society marking the border between Worcestershire and Staffordshire, then arrives at Whittington Lock. Houses speckle the route until moorings below Kinver Lock remind you this is a holiday location. Passing the lock and the Vine inn, the path continues past Kinver's long residential moorings (there's a toilet and water tap halfway along them, but you will need a special BW key).
A treat awaits with one of the most idyllic locks to be found on Britain's canal networks. Hyde Lock sits above the village of Kinver looking down from a woodland oasis wafting a golden canopy in autumn and bleating with bluebells in spring. With woods on your left and sheep on the hillside to your right, the canal turns the corner where, just after Dunsley Tunnel, you arrive at Stewponey Lock and its quirky toll house.
back to top
Where to stay
Canalside campsites
Canalside hotels
Holiday hireboats nearest to Kinver & Wolverley
|
Our guidebooks are packed full of ideas, colourful photos, and some of the best highlights we've found along the canals...
Find out more >> Did you know?
Holy Austin Cave houses, Kinver
Cave houses were dug into the soft red sandstone of the area, and lived in up to the 1950s. One of the houses has been restored giving visitors insight into Victorian life as a cave dweller. Fact file
Train info
Nearest train: Kidderminster
Bus info
National Rail Enquiries T:08457 484950 Traveline T:0871 2002233
Tourist info point: Kinver (in Just Petals shop) T:01384 877756
Kinver Edge National Trust Open all year T:01384 872418
kinver_edge@nationaltrust.org.uk Holy Austin Rock Houses National Trust Visit one of the cave dwellings restored as it would have been in Victorian times
March to 30 November Sat & Sun 1400-1600 T:01384 872553 kinver_edge@nationaltrust.org.uk 
|
might not scream out as great walking or holiday territory. But a closer look discovers a dramatic canal with sublime scenery that defies its proximity to the madding crowds.
