Tardebigge Locks

Visit the largest flight of locks in Britain on this circular walk around Tardebigge Locks on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. This circular walk takes you along the impressive structure before heading into the surrounding countryside.... The walk also includes a visit to Tardebigge Reservoir towards the end of the route.
The walk starts on the bridge at Upper Gambolds where there is limited car parking. You then follow the canal towpath west along the Tardebigge Flight. The site is home to the longest flight of locks in the UK, comprising 30 narrow locks on a 2.25 mile (3.6 km) stretch along the canal. Follow the towpath along the structure to Stoke Pound where there is a nice canalside pub for refreshments.
The walk then heads south into the countryside towards Woodgate and Bentley Common. You then turn north and head towards Patchetts Farm before coming to Tardebigge Reservoir. Here you pick up the canal again and head west to return to the parking area.
To extend your walking in the area you can head south along the canal towards Droitwich Spa. Heading in the other direction will take you to Alvechurch and the pretty Bittell Reservoirs where there are good bird watching opportunities.
A few miles to the north you can visit Lickey Hills Country Park where there are great views over the area.
The Monarch's Way long distance trail runs just to the north of the canal. You can pick this up and follow it to Redditch or Bromsgrove which are both nearby.
Postcode: B60 1NS
Pubs and More Info
In Stoke Pound you could enjoy a pit stop at the canalside Queens Head. There's a charming interior including Victorian floor tiles with beaten copper and the natural textures of wood and stone. Outside there is an attractive landscaped garden with a tepee which can be booked for private parties. You can find them at postcode B60 3AU for your sat navs. The inn includes car parking and is also dog friendly.
Head north along the canal and you could visit the worthy village of Alvechurch. The historic settlement includes a 13th century church, several medieval half-timbered buildings and a rather fine canalside pub.

Ordnance Survey Map OpenStreetMap OS Map (Mobile GPS) OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)

Interactive Map

Route Video

Nearby Routes

Worcester and Birmingham Canal Monarch's Way Bittell Reservoirs Lickey Hills Country Park

Photos

Tardebigge Flight & Reservoir. Serving the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, towards the top the Tardebigge Flight of 30 locks raising the canal up 220’ just South East of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

Locks and bridge near Tardebigge Reservoir

Lock 57, Worcester to Birmingham Canal, near Tylers Lock

Locks on the Tardebigge Flight

Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Stoke Pound with Queen's Head pub. The pub has a beer garden behind the large willows.

Stoke Pound Bridge

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Tardebigge Locks.gpx