Tardebigge Top Lock

The plan was to take it easy with a bit of gongoozling so drove to see the Tardebigge Tunnel (extra 1) and the top lock on the Worcester and Birmingham canal, to watch some canal action.

The action in question turned out to be a drained lock surrounded by fencing while the lock wall is repaired so apart from a few dragonflies there was little to see. Main photo from the lower pontoon. 

So we drove down to the bottom lock to see if there was any action there and were diverted into the Queen's Head for a bite to eat. Imagine, if you will, two hot and sticky scruffs, hiking boots and all, wandering into this formal dining room and ordering lunch! It was delicious and we do have impeccable manners.

We took a stroll up the lock system as far a no. 33 or 34, watching fish, damselflies and butterflies (mainly meadow brown, with a small skipper) then turned back and continued past the bottom lock to Top Stoke Pound lock. By now we were really really hot so returned to the car and, with Aircon on full blast, drove to the Droitwich canal - but there was no action there, though we sat and waited on a shady bench for a while.

Lidl was not far away so we picked up a few groceries, taking our time to enjoy the cooler air then came back to the bliss of a tiled floor and a large cup of tea. I have three water bottles now in the wash ready to refill for tomorrow, where our 31°C will be a mere 29.

Extra 2, photo of two milestones: on the left; Church Road near Bradley Green, on the right by the W & B canal approx opposite the Queen's Head.