Itinerary of the West Midlands trip

Sunday May 7

I’d like to take it easy Sunday, but the complicated schedule of the various attractions in Worcester (some are closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) means another early start. I would like to climb the tower at Worcester Cathedral so that I might have an aerial photograph of the city. The cathedral is also interesting because of its part during the English Civil Wars and being the burial place of King John of Magna Carta and Robin Hood, and Prince Arthur, Henry VIII’s brother. I also want to visit the Commandery, a building that has had many roles and during the Civil Wars was the last stronghold of Charles II. If possible, I will also ride alongside the River Severn to Powick Bridge, where the first major cavalry engagement in the wars took place. I plan an early night’s sleep back at Phepson Farm.

I should point out that sometime over the weekend or Monday or Tuesday, I hope to meet with members of the Worcester Birmingham and Droitwich Canals Society, either at Alvechurch, Droitwich Spa or both. This should give Margaret and Tony a better idea of my timetable and most of my activities can be rearranged. The schedule presented here is aspirational.

Monday May 8

I will relocate to Worcester proper on Monday, staying at Ye Olde Talbot hotel on Friar Street. Friar Street is packed with Tudor buildings, most of which are shops but there’s also the Tudor House and Greyfriar’s House Museums. I’ll only be able to visit Greyfriar’s House on Tuesday, however, because of the museum’s schedule.

Tuesday May 9

Other than Greyfriar’s House, the only appointment I have Tuesday is to ride north on the canal to Stoke Prior and visit Black Prince Narrowboat Hire. There are a number of boat hires on the canal including Angl0Welsh just north of the Tardebigge Tunnel, Black Prince and Viking Afloat at Lowesmoor Wharf in Worcester. Black Prince have offered to let me film a customer getting their tour of the boat (customer willing). I’m hoping it will be first-time renters so I can capture that happy, glazed look on their faces. (NOTE: AngloWelsh and Excellence Afloat also have bases on the Stratford Canal.)