VALLEYS CANAL COMPANY COTSWOLD CANALS A GUIDE FOR USERS Saul Junction to Brimscombe

£2.95 where sold

Ebley

SUMMER 2021

www.stroudvalleyscanal.co.uk 2 KEY TO SYMBOLS

NAVIGATION Road Railway Station HAZARDS Towpath suitable CANAL LINE Bus Stop for multi use (selected) Part navigable - Path (may not be canoes etc suitable for wheelchairs) Taxi Rank or office Fully Navigable Disability Route - Infilled see SVCC website Car Park

Proposed new route Railway Bridge - Navigable Fuel Brown line shows multi- user Railway Bridge towpath - Not navigable Toilets SLIP-WAY Toilets Disabled MOORINGS WINDING HOLE/ V Visitor Showers TURNING POINT Permanent / P Launderette LOCKS Long Term Lock - Navigable with Post Office landing stage or space FACILITIES BANK Bank Lock - Not navigable Water Point £

BRIDGES Refuse Disposal Cash Machine Modern - navigable V C Cotswold Canals Trust Pub Modern - not navigable Visitor Centre Cotswold Canals Trust Hotel Heritage Trip Boat Food & Drink Heritage - Restored Cotswold Canals Trust Outlet but not navigable Work Depot Coffee Shop Footbridge FOOT

E Lift - Electric Minor Injuries Unit Shop LIFT with landing stages See p 15 Cycle Shop E Lift - Electric FIXED LIFT Defibrillator Camping/Outdoors Shop M Swing - Manual SWING with landing stages Garden Centre Vet - see p 15 E Swing - Electric SWING Cinema

with landing stages Produced by volunteers - Layout : David Jowett Photos: Mike Gallagher River Severn INTRODUCTION Gloucester/ Canal 3 VC Saul Junction S This guide covers a ten mile section of Whitminster To Gloucester T A38 the Cotswold Canals. They comprise the 1 & Beyond R M5 to the west of Stroud Cotswold O B Eastington and the Thames & Severn Canal to the east. Canals U Connected Newtown VC Bond’s Mill D In these pages you will find lots of information STONEHOUSE W to help you enjoy the waterway in whatever Ryeford A way you choose. Much of the content will be Ebley T 1 Dudbridge especially helpful to boaters with essential E STROUD R instructions for navigation. A A46 Capel’s Mill VC Bowbridge The Cotswold Canals extend way beyond this Thrupp section as you can see on the map tothe Brimscombe right. As restoration has progressed, the canal Brimscombe Port has become more popular as a wonderful destination for those seeking the relaxing RH Chalford T atmosphere as well as a place that’s well used Frampton Mansell P Golden by locals. Much of the work has been done by Valley H Daneway a volunteer workforce. Only the larger projects H A have been undertaken by contractors. A Sapperton Sapperton Tunnel M Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC) is S E responsible for the operation of most of the E RH Coates S section of canal covered in this guide. SVCC A423 N asks for your understanding as they work Kemble A429 with others to improve the waterway and its 3 Ewen environs. CIRENCESTER & Siddington Cirencester Arm Do enjoy your visit to the Cotswold Canals. Cotswold Water S Park South Cerney E North RH Wilts Cerney Wick V Canal Some sections of the Thames & Severn Canal E Latton are in private ownership A419 with no public access R 2 PUBLISHED JULY 2021 Eisey N DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE E&OE RH Marston Meysey To the best of our knowledge, the information in this guide is correct at the date Kempsford of publication. Please check SVCC website for Round updates before planning your visit. RH House RH PLEASE CONSIDER CURRENT COVID-19 River VC Visitor Thames RESTRICTIONS AND THE EFFECT ON Centre VENUES & FACILITIES Canal To Route & www.stroudvalleyscanal.co.uk London mile marker 4 SAUL JUNCTION to WHITMINSTER

NAVIGATION NOTES

Part of the Phase 1B restoration section (Cotswold Canals Connected) The Gloucester to Sharpness Canal on Saul Junction to Walk Bridge. the national waterways network is Navigable - owned by the Canal & River Trust operated by the Canal & River Trust. Limited turning length by Walk Bridge. C&RT BOATING FACILITIES AT SAUL Walk Bridge to Whitminster Lock. Toilets, showers, laundry, boat pump- Navigable by canoes only - owned by the out (Watermate key required). Canal & River Trust. C&RT FACILITIES AT SAUL JUNCTION River section and canal to A38 Disabled toilets, payable + disabled May be used by small portable boats parking. Picnic tables, bicycle security with care. rails. BOATING FACILITIES - Non C&RT

Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre Walk Bridge As well as gifts and books, sells basic Ex swing bridge, now a fixed structure. This supplies for boaters (coal, Elsan etc). will be replaced by a higher level bridge www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk slightly to the east. 01452 741965 RW Davis & Son Ltd Whitminster Lock & Lift Bridge Right on the junction. Part restored but not navigable. A new lift Marine Engineers. Ship & boat builders. bridge will be required below the lock. dry dock, brokerage, cranage, engines, The short infilled section above the lock will surveys, painting etc. be excavated to connect to the River Frome. www.rwdavis.co.uk 01452 740233 River Section A length of the River Frome will become part Saul Junction Marina of the navigation. Canoes may use with care - Moorings, gas, coal, diesel, pump-out, strong flow at times. slipway, chandlery, laundry etc. www.saulmarina.co.uk Stonepitts Bridge Church Lane, Frampton-on-Severn, Currently a blockage - will be restored as a lift GL2 7JY bridge. 01452 740043

Low level long distance fuel pipe SAUL JUNCTION FACILITIES Currently crosses at a low level - it will be diverted under the canal. Stables Cafe Snacks and light meals, drinks etc. Occupation Bridge www.thestablescafe.my-free.website Intact and in a fair state of repair. 01452 741965 Canal & River Trust Visitor Boater’s facilities Centre & 5 incl. public toilet Trip Boat Saul V C Junction The Stables Cafe

Gloucester-Sharpness Canal RW Davis & Son To Gloucester To Sharpness Saul Junction Marina N 50 ft COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST VISITOR CENTRE 15.0m for advice, guidance and information on local attractions. Sale of books, maps, gifts & ice Walk creams. Some basic supplies for boaters. Bridge Wheelchair access - hearing loop.

Canal Towpath, Church Lane, Saul, GL2 7LA LIFT Opening hours and services vary depending Whitminster on current restrictions so please check Lock & bridge website: www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk 01452 741965 This river section will COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST TRIP BOAT become based by the Visitor Centre. part of the navigation See www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk Bridge or call 01453 752568 over river

River Purpose-built boats, fully wheelchair Frome accessible, offering disabled children and Stonepitts adults days afloat. www.willowtrust.org LIFT Bridge 01285 651661 MAP SCALE Low level This Guide was produced to be pipe viewed as an A5 booket Occupation A5 MAPS SCALE: Bridge 5cm to 1 km 3 ¼ inches to 1 mile Whitminster However, if you print the guide on to A4 sheets: PLEASE NOTE: Until this length of canal A4 MAPS SCALE is restored, it is not 7cm to 1km 4 inches to 1 mile suitable for wheelchairs. 6 WHITMINSTER to EASTINGTON

NAVIGATION NOTES FROMEBRIDGE FACILITIES

Part of the Phase 1B restoration section Fromebridge Inn (Cotswold Canals Connected) Pub and restaurant (Greene King). Mostly infilled with very limited www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/ opportunities for canoes on this section. /fromebridge-mill 01452 741796 The ‘Missing Mile’ Around a mile of canal was filled in when the Fromebridge Service Station M5 was built in the early 1970s. This will be Filling Station excavated, mainly by volunteers, in the near with small shop and drinks. future. www.johnstayteservices.co.uk 01453 822859 A38 crossing The roundabout blocked the canal route completely. Thanks to a grant from Highways WHITMINSTER FACILITIES in 2020, two bridges and a channel were built in 2020. Old Forge Inn pub with food. New lock - A38 www.oldforgewhitminster.com A brand new lock will be built east of the A38. 01452 741306

M5 crossing The Whitminster Inn the original route was blocked by the M5 and Pub and restaurant, wedding venue etc. around a mile of canal infilled. The new route www.whitminsterinn.co.uk will share the river crossing under the M5 but 01452 740234 in a separate concrete channel. Whitminster Stores There is currently an adjacent pedestrian Convenience shop. route under the motorway. 01452 741462

New lock - east of M5 A brand new lock will be built east of the M5. Highfield Garden Centre Garden Centre, restuarant and Westfield Lock instore concessions. Infilled. Will be excavated and restored. www.highfieldgardenworld.co.uk 01452 74144 Dock Lock Part restored but not navigable. Attwoolls Outdoors Camping centre and outdoor equipment. www.attwoolls.co.uk 01452 742233 WALKING NOTES 7 A multi-user towpath will be created along this section in the next few years. Until then, follow the diversion along the River Frome Whitminster Attwoolls Fromebridge Inn Outdoors Fromebridge 200 yards Service Station Highfield 200 yards Garden Centre

The Forge Whitminster A38 New Lock Inn A38 Missing Mile Whitminster to be Stores excavated Proposed Mooring basin cafe & N car park

From Whitminster M5 to the Ocean Rail Crossing is know as Phase 1B (Cotswold Canals Connected). J13 Funding has been obtained to reopen the waterway by 2023/4.

A419 More details at New Lock www.cotswoldcanalsconnected.org East of M5

Westfield River Lock Frome Dock Lock

Eastington See next pages for Eastington facilities PLEASE NOTE: Until this length of canal is restored, it is not suitable for wheelchairs. 8 EASTINGTON to THE OCEAN RAIL BRIDGE

NAVIGATION NOTES BOATING FACILITIES

Powered craft up to 32ft (9.5m) can use this SLIPWAY - Eastington short section if accessing the canal via the Requires Watermate key slipway. Limits of navigation are Pike Lock See section on Slipways on page 20. and Bonds Mill Bridge. Canoes can use the whole section.

OLDBURY SERVICES FACILITIES

Filling Station: 24 Hrs with small shop 01453 827309 Dock Lock Part restored but not navigable. Subway 01453 827468

Pike Bridge (GL10 3RT) Starbucks 020 3510 0444 New bridge in 2005 based on previous one which was demolished. The road to Costa Coffee Drive Thru 0845 600 8545 Eastington crosses. Whilst restored, the bridge is technically not navigable. Hotel: Travelodge 08719 846054 www.travelodge.co.uk Pike Lock GL10 3SQ Part restored but not navigable.

Blunder Lock Navigable. Do not leave craft unattended in this lock or EASTINGTON FACILITIES leave it empty. Bottom gates and paddles must be closed Village is almost 1 mile from canal when boat passage is not underway. The Old Badger 01453 822892 Newtown Lock www.oldbadgerinn.co.uk Navigable. Pub, food and real ales.

Newtown Roving Bridge (GL10 3RW) Kings Head 01453 822277 Navigable - Heritage brick humpbacked. www.thekingsheadhouse.com Pub, food & rooms. Bonds Mill Bridge (GL10 3RF) Not navigable. Lift bridge installed in 1994 which is currently fixed down. Very limited Co-op (incl headroom - canoes should portage. ATM & POST OFFICE) 01453 824785 ‘Ocean’ Rail Bridge The railway blocks the canal but a new bridge Butcher: J Broomhall & Sons will be installed in 2021. 01453 823229 9

EASTINGTON - CANAL-SIDE N

Falafel Pod falafelpod@hot- mail.com 07865640523 lock-side at Oldbury Dock Blunder Lock towards end of A419 Services Lock week. Pike Road Bridge Cotswold Canals Trust Western Depot (Mon & Weds To Eastington and other days) 3/4 mile Maintenance HQ, Log sales. 1 KM Eastington Defibrillator (limited access) Slipway & small Pike Lock Car Park (free)

Blunder Lock BOND’S MILL FACILITIES Falafel Pod Cafe at the Mill 01453 828042 www.cafeatthemill.com Newtown Light snacks served weekdays Lock at heart of Bond’s Mill Estate. Newtown

V C Cotswold Canals Trust Newtown Visitor Centre - Bond’s Mill Roving Bridge Information centre run by volunteers to provide information about the canal Cafe at and its restoration to visitors. The Mill Costa Coffee Learn about the history of the Bond’s Drive Thru industrial estate too. Mill Business Bond’s Mill Open some summer Estate E Visitor Centre weekends - LIFT V C Weekend check opening times at Bond’s Mill Lift Bridge visitors to Visitor 01453 752568. Centre only. www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk Check signs!

Costa Coffee ‘Ocean’ Rail Bridge 01453 828042 www.costa.co.uk incl Drive Thru, Stonehouse Park, Sperry Way, Stonehouse, GL10 3UT 10 OCEAN RAIL BRIDGE to RYEFORD DOUBLE LOCK

NAVIGATION NOTES BOATING FACILITIES

Powered craft can use this section if Turning Space - The Ocean accessing the canal via the slipway at Max length 70ft - 21.3m Strachans Close - see pages 13 & 20. Canoes can use the whole section. P Permanent Moorings Stonehouse Wharf

Turning Space - Upper Mills Bridge The Ocean Swing Bridge (GL10 3RA) Max length 50ft - 15.2m Navigable. Manual Swing Bridge. Immediately to the east of the bridge Requires Windlass. Very difficult to operate at present. Turning Space - Harpers Field Upgrade to powered operation planned Max length 55ft - 19.1m for 2021.

Nutshell Bridge (GL10 2BG) Harper’s Field Facilities Navigable - Heritage brick humpbacked V Visitor Moorings

Downton Bridge (GL10 2BE) Navigable built 2000 CANALSIDE FACILITIES Upper Mills Bridge (GL10 2BJ) Navigable built 2010 Stonehouse Court Hotel Restricted height (8ft - 2.44m) 01453 794950 www.stonehousecourt.co.uk Skew Bridge Navigable ex railway bridge

Dr Hayward’s Bridge (GL10 3HG) Navigable built 1997 Tunnel-like as it was built for the Ebley bypass

Ryeford Road Bridge (GL10 2LE) Navigable - Heritage brick humpbacked

Ryeford Swing Bridge Requires Watermate key Navigable - Manual pedestrian bridge

Ryeford Double Lock Navigable - For operating instructions, see page 17 WESTERN LIMIT OF FULLY

NAVIGABLE SECTION 11 N

STONEHOUSE FACILITIES 70 ft ‘Ocean’ Rail ‘Ocean’ Swing M 21.3m Bridge Town Centre is a quarter Bridge SWING Stonehouse of a mile from canal at St Cyr’s Church Downton Bridge. Court Hotel Rail Station, car park, many shops, co-op Nutshell Bridge (footbridge) supermarket (incl. Post Office), 2 butchers, ATM, cafes, 2 pubs, P takeaways. Bridgend Stonehouse Filling station 1 mile away on Gloucester Road with Downton Bridge outdoor launderette.

The Woolpack Upper Mills 01453 822542 Bridge 50 ft Pub, Food and Real Ales RESTRICTED HEIGHT 15.2m 8ft - 2.44m Nearest to canal on High Street Former Railway The Globe Skew Bridge Pub 01453 297691 Dr Haywards www.facebook.com/ Bridge Globe-Stonehouse Harpers Field facilities Stonehouse Station Trains to Stroud, 55 ft V 19.1m Gloucester & beyond Ryeford Ryeford Bridge Buses to Stroud, M Ryeford Swing Bridge Gloucester & beyond SWING

Ryeford Double Lock 12 RYEFORD DOUBLE LOCK to STROUD

NAVIGATION NOTES Lodgemore Lane Lift-Bridge (GL5 3EQ) Navigable. Electrically operated. Powered craft can use this section if Insert Watermate Key and follow in- accessing the canal via the slipway at structions. Strachans Close - see pages 13 & 20. DANGER - SHALLOW Depth 1.5ft Canoes can use the whole section. Sewer crosses 0.5m 50 yards west of Wallbridge Lower Lock - watch for markers Oil Mills Bridge (GL5 4TR) Navigable. Modern Structure built on Wallbridge Lower Lock Navigable heritage bridge foundation. Stroud Brewery Bridge (GL5 3JQ) Cloth Mills Bridge (GL5 4BP) Navigable. Navigable under 4 lanes of road

Ebley Floodgate Wallbridge Bridge (GL5 3JS) Navigable Single set of gates closed at times of Part heritage bridge high water levels - see page 18 Wallbridge Upper Lock Navigable Ebley Mill Foot Bridge (GL5 4UN) Navigable Manual Swing Bridge. BOATING FACILITIES Hilly Orchard Foot Bridge Navigable. SLIPWAY - Strachans Close Dudbridge Bridge (GL5 3ET) Navigable. Requires Watermate key Towpath not suitable for wheelchairs See section on Slipways on page 20. but alternate route signposted. COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST TRIP BOAT Dudbridge Hydro Scheme based by Ebley swing footbridge. Beware outfall below Dudbridge See www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk Bridge which may cause turbulence. or call 01453 752568

Dudbridge Lower Lock EBLEY FACILITIES Navigable Kitsch Coffee & Wine Bar Dudbridge Upper Lock (Foundry Lock) 01453 350930 Navigable Canal-side Coffee Food Licensed. TAKE CARE - Gas pipe Adequate depth crosses under water for normal craft 50 yards west of Chestnut Lane Bridge - Coach & Horses 01453 825692 watch for markers Pub

Chestnut Lane Swing-Bridge (GL5 3EB) Old Crown Inn 01453 821131 Navigable. Electrically operated. Pub Fully mechanised. Insert Watermate Key and follow instructions Shop: Best One Convenience Store 01453 759678 DUDBRIDGE - The towpath under Oil Mills N Dudbridge road bridge is not suitable Bridge 13 for wheelchairs. Alternate route is shown in dark red dots. Best One Convenience Store DUDBRIDGE FACILITIES Cloth Mills Coach & Horses Accessed from Dudbridge Bridge Old Crown Inn Road Bridge Ebley Filling Station - CCT Trip Boat M Dudbridge Garage incl. SWING Ebley Floodgates see p 18 Spar Convenience Store Ebley Swing Foot Bridge K i t s c h 01453 762345 Coffee & Wine Bar Sainsbury’s Supermarket Hilly 01453 755749 incl ATM outside Orchard Original Factory Shop Foot Hot & Co-op (including FOOT CAINSCROSS FACILITIES Bridge Wok Post Office) Sainsbury’s Woody’s Sandwich Accessed from Hilly Orchard & Coffee Bar Bridge or Dudbridge Garage & Spar shop Fortune Road Bridge Takeaway Car park, co-op supermarket Dudbridge (inc Post Office), Original Factory Shop, cafe Dudbridge Lower Lock takeaways Dudbridge Upper Lock

Fortune Takeaway TAKE CARE - Gas pipe 01453 762575 Chinese crosses under water 01453 759298 Fish & Chips E Hot Wok Takeaway Chestnut Lane SWING 01453 764668 Swing Bridge Strachans Close Lodgemore Lift Slipway Woody’s Bridge Sandwich & Coffee Bar Vet - see p11 E 01453 767622 Convenience Store LIFT DANGER Co-op (inc Post Office) SHALLOW 01453 824785 Clothiers Arms Sewer crosses Depth 1.5ft 0.5m RODBOROUGH FACILITIES Wallbridge Lower Lock Clothiers Arms Wallbridge Stroud Brewery 01453 763801 Upper Lock Bridge www.clothiersarms.co.uk Pub, Food in bar plus separate V C Stroud restaurant. Up path from Visitor Centre see larger Lodgemore Bridge. B&B scale map 14 STROUD

WALLBRIDGE FACILITIES STROUD FACILITIES Canal-side by Wallbridge Upper Lock Very close to the canal uphill from Wallbridge Bridge

Shops from national chains to inde- Lock-Keepers Cafe pendents. Many cafes, banks Vue 01452 379703 Cinema, Launderette Canal-side cafe, coffees, light meals, licensed. Open daytimes Pubs listed are closest to canal

The Lord John (Wetherspoons) V C Cotswold Canals Trust www.jdwetherspoon.com Visitor Centre Russel Street 01453 767610 01453 752568 Food www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk Information centre run by volunteers to The Little George (Micropub) provide information about the canal and George Street 01453 750300 its restoration to visitors. Limited opening hours Canal shop and exhibitions www.stroudmicropub.co.uk Defibrillator on side of building approaching cafe. Curio Lounge King Street 01453 757052 Bar and Food www.thelounges.co.uk/curio

The Ale House John Street EDGE OF STROUD TOWN FACILITIES www.thealehousestroud.com 01453 755447 Many real ales and food LEISURE CENTRE Stratford Rd, Stroud GL5 4AF 01453 766771 The Retreat Almost a mile from the canal in Church Street 01453 750208 Stratford Park: Nearest point on canal is Food lunchtimes. Closed Sundays Wallbridge Upper Lock. www.retreatstroud.com Indoor and outdoor pool and showers Imperial Hotel (MAY BE CLOSED) Bar and Hotel A&E MINOR INJURIES 01453 764 077 Nearest point on canal is Capel’s Mill www.imperialhotelstroud.co.uk -see map p 13. NOT 24 HRS 0300 421 8080 V BOATING FACILITIES Trinity Road , Stroud, Gloucestershire, Visitor Moorings - Wallbridge GL5 2HY On the towpath above Wallbridge Upper www.glos-care.nhs.uk Lock. STROUD Stroud Town

LARGE Centre 15 SCALE MAP N

Stroud Brewery Bridge Wallbridge Bridge BANK Wallbridge £ Lower Lock V C Visitor Centre Lock- Keeper’s Wallbridge Cafe Upper Lock V Wallbridge Wallbridge Visitor Moorings

STROUD TOURIST INFORMATION Office closed in 2019 but see online www..com/plan-your-trip

A&E MINOR INJURIES, STROUD. Nearest point on canal is Capel’s Mill

NOT 24 HRS 0300 421 8080 Trinity Road , Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2HY

VETS STONEHOUSE: Bowbridge Veterinary Group, 17 Gloucester Rd GL10 2NZ, 01453 825796 STROUD: Five Valleys Veterinary Practice, GL10 2NZ 01453 765304 STROUD: Clockhouse Veterinary Group GL5 3JD 01453 752555 BOWBRIDGE: Bowbridge Veterinary Group, GL5 2LA, 01453 762350

TAXIS EASTINGTON: Dial-a-Cab 07851-507-207 or 01453-272-222 STONEHOUSE: Apollo Taxis. Office in Queen Road 01453 823344 STROUD: Rank at rail station and uphill from Wallbridge Upper Lock A&A Taxis Office in Station Road 01453 767777 16 STROUD to THRUPP

NAVIGATION NOTES LONDON ROAD FACILITIES Accessed from Capel’s Mill Stroud to Bowbridge Powered craft can use this section to Waitrose Bowbridge if accessing the canal via the Supermarket incl. ATM inside slipway at Strachan’s Close - see page 01453 757067 14. Canoes can use most of this stretch with portages Filling Station: BP incl convenience shop Bowbridge to Thrupp: Restored but not 01453 751294 currently available for navigation by large craft. Canoes may use with care with difficult portages necessary BOWBRIDGE FACILITIES Thrupp to Brimscombe: Accessed from Bowbridge Bridge Currently infilled Bowbridge Arms Dr Newton’s Way Bridge (GL5 4AJ) Sister pub to Clothiers Arms Navigable - Built in 1987 food lunch & eves Closed Sunday evenings Capel’s Mill Railway Viaduct Navigable www.thebowbridgearms.co.uk 01453 298914 CURRENT LIMIT OF NAVIGATION

Below Bowbridge Bridge

THRUPP FACILITIES Bowbridge Bridge (GL5 2LA) Accessible from towpath when bar Restored but not open for navigation is open Towpath not suitable for wheelchairs but alternate route signposted Stroud Brewery Bar Brewery bar and food Bowbridge Lock, Stanton’s Bridge, Kiosk service to towpath Griffin’s Mill Lock , Jubilee Bridge , Ham Check website. Mill Bridge (GL5 2BB) and Ham Mill www.stroudbrewery.co.uk Lock 01453 887122 Restored but not open for navigation

Bagpath Bridge Restored but not open for navigation

Hope Mill Lock Infilled

Goughs Orchard Lock Part restored but not navigable 17 Waitrose

Towpath at high level A419 Dr BP & Newton’s Shop Way Bridge Bowbridge Arms Capel’s 35 ft Mill Bowbridge

Bowbridge Bridge N Bowbridge Lock

BOWBRIDGE Stanton’s Bridge The towpath under Bowbridge road bridge is not suitable for wheelchairs. Alternative route is shown in small Griffin’s Mill dark red dots Lock BOATING

FACILITIES Jubilee FOOT Bridge Turning Space Capel’s Mill Max Length 70ft (21,3m) Ham Mill To the east of Bridge Thrupp the viaduct Ham Mill Lock

V Visitor Moorings Stroud Brewery Capel’s Mill Bar (canalside) Bagpath FOOT Two lengths Bridge marked on map

Turning Space Below Hope Mill Lock Bowbridge Lock Max Length Brimscombe 35ft (10.5m) LAST PLACE TO TURN 18 THRUPP to BRIMSCOMBE

NAVIGATION NOTES

Hope Mill to Brimscombe Port No navigable sections - mostly infilled

Hope Mill Lock Charity Book & Music Shop Infilled Brimscombe Corner, Brimscombe Port, STROUD, Gloucestershire, GL5 2QN Goughs Orchard Lock Part restored but not navigable 01453 703717 / 07761 902967

[email protected]

Thanks to Stroud Valleys Canal Company, BRIMSCOMBE PORT a new home was found for this outlet alongside the canal route to the rear of Opened in the early 1780s, Brimscombe the Ship Inn as shown on the map. Port was once the thriving hub of the Thames & Severn Canal Company. Although the building is not as large as the previous premises, it has been The canal here was closed in 1933 and renovated by enthusiastic volunteers. the Port filled in after the Second World War. The T&S Canal Headquarters Open Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. building was used as a Polytechnic for 10am - 4pm many years but this iconic building was demolished in 1965 and an industrial See www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk estate established on the site. The office • Support us part of the current building was used for a • The CCT Bookshop time as offices, meeting rooms and even volunteer accommodation to support the canal restoration project. The Cotswold canals Trust Charity Book & Record Shop was housed here until it was moved to its current location.

With the canal under active restoration, the time will soon come to redevelop the whole Port area to create a vibrant, mixed use, water fronting site.

More information at: www.stroud.gov.uk/media/970882/brimscombe-port-public-consultation-boards.pdf www.stroudvalleyscanal.co.uk/pdf/brimscombe_brochure.pdf BRIMSCOMBE PORT 19 LARGE SCALE MAP (covers 5/8 mile BRIMSCOMBE FACILITIES 1 kilometre)

The Ship Inn 01453 884388 Pub with food Hope Mill Lock - reopening late Summer 2021

Takeaway: Simply Fish & Chips 01453 885856 Gough’s Orchard Brimscombe Newsagents & Shop Lock 01453 882262 River Frome Felt Cafe Cotswold 01453 298895 Canals Trust Simply Fish facebook:feltcafebrimscombe Charity Book & Music & Chips Canal-side just beyond Brimscombe Port Shop at Bourne Mill Ship Inn The Ark Cycles Cycle shop and associated services News- www.thearkcycles.co.uk agents 01453 884738 & shop

Brimscombe Port

River A419

Frome N BRIMSCOMBE PORT

Access to Brimscombe Port may be Felt Cafe limited as the site is redeveloped The Ark starting with the demolition of 1960s Cycles buildings in 2021/2022. Bourne Lock Diversions to the footpaths will be clearly signposted. 20 INFORMATION

SVCC SLIPWAYS

The Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC) is a There are two slipways on the SVCC controlled charitable company that has been set up to be length of canal: the navigation authority – i.e. the operational managers – for the Cotswold Canals as they The one at Strachans Close near Stroud are restored. It was created by four partners provides access to about 4 miles and 7 locks - Stroud District Council (SDC), the Cotswold (one a double) within the Phase 1A length. Canals Trust (CCT), the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation and The one at Eastington, between Pike Lock and Gloucestershire County Council. It leases the Blunder Lock and not far from the M5, provides Stroudwater Navigation from the Company access to about a mile of canal and two locks of Proprietors and owns much of the course within the Phase 1B length. A Watermate Key of the Thames & Severn Canal from Stroud up is required at Strachans Close. to, Brimscombe Port. The restoration itself is being managed by SDC, but SVCC is obviously In the Phase 1B length, both Blunder and closely involved. Newtown Locks at Eastington are usable with care and accessible via the Eastington slipway above Pike Lock - please return the heavy stop CARE - CANAL UNDER plank into position after use. Please note that RESTORATION! there is a pile of underwater debris in the USE OF THE CANAL IS ENTIRELY Eastington Slipway on the left hand (upstream AT THE USER’S RISK side) - for best results, use the right hand side. Recent volunteer work has removed fallen Please note that the canal is still undergoing trees and branches but Bonds Mill Lift Bridge is restoration and some lengths are not yet currently inoperable and weed in the summer available. Those that are may not be fully can sometimes be an issue. completed and use may be restricted by ongoing work. WATERMATE KEY The canal is now usually navigable with care from The Ocean near Stonehouse to Bowbridge A Watermate key is used nationally on the Lock about 2 Km east of Stroud, a distance of waterways operated by the Canal & River 6.5Km with 7 locks with one being a double Trust. The key is needed to operate Chestnut lock. (A further 2Km to the east of Stroud Lane Swing Bridge, Lodgemore Lift Bridge and should be added to the length described above Ebley Swing Bridge. during late 2019). Many of the boat landing stages for the locks and movable bridges are They are on sale at the Cotswold Canals Trust in place but a few are not, so care is needed. Visitor Centres, but please ensure you have Single handed navigation is not recommended one before you travel to navigate the canal. at this time. RESTRICTIONS LIFT & SWING BRIDGES There are still a small number of shallow Instructions of how to use the movable bridges pipe crossings running across the canal, the are attached to each bridge. worst being a main sewer about 100m below Wallbridge Lower Lock which limits the draught You will require a Watermate Key and, in some of boats to about 1.5ft (500mm) - this is cases, a windlass. For further information, see expected to be removed in 2021. the SVCC website. MOORING LICENCES 21

There are three types of mooring. At present, we are not issuing licences or charging licence fees. Visitor Mooring, with a maximum period. The canal is still undergoing restoration and Long-term Mooring. for boats that are not although lengths may be navigated at your lived on. own risk, some sections will be unavailable due to ongoing work and subject to restrictions. Residential Mooring. None available yet but possibly at Brimscombe Port after Once the canal is connected to the main system redevelopment. at Saul Junction, we will introduce a licensing regime, with some degree of reciprocity with Mooring fees are payable for anything other the Canal & River Trust (C&RT - formerly British than short term visitor mooring. Visiting boats Waterways). must always only moor on the towpath side or at clearly designated Visitor Moorings. The However, other than for short term visitors, we offside bank is usually in private ownership. do require ALL boats moored on the canal to be registered with us. For these, we will need the name, address and telephone number of OPERATING LOCKS the owner; evidence of compliance with the Boat Safety Scheme (a BSS certificate) for all Please ensure that you know how to operate powered craft except those powered solely by a lock if you intend to use one. You will need a an outboard engine and with no inboard fuel, windlass to operate the paddle gear with BOTH gas or electrical systems; and evidence of the two normal square holes to operate the insurance covering third party liability of at locks and swing bridges. least £2million for all powered boats including those powered by outboard engines. Unless specifically instructed otherwise, leave all gates and paddles closed. Unpowered boats, canoes and paddle boards must also be covered by insurance, which is available cheaply through a number of boating RIVER SECTION and canoeing organisations.

The section of canal between Wallbridge Upper Lock and Ebley is shared with three streams. This river section is subject to high flow rates and increased depth during times of high rainfall. Extra care is necessary and occasionally the navigation needs to be closed. LANDING STAGES ON Ebley Flood Gates should be dealt with in accordance with the instructions on page 18. YOUR OWN PROPERTY You will need our agreement to ensure it is a safe place to moor in terms of passing traffic and a licence from us. Generally, you should FISHING not plan for any structure to extend out into the canal or be built on land we own (sometimes The fishing rights on most of the canal are the channel has narrowed over years of disuse let to the Stroud & District Angling Club, the or has not yet been dredged to the correct Association Phoenix Angling Club or Frampton width). We will be as helpful as we can but may Angling Club. You will need to speak to them sometimes have to say no for navigational about fishing opportunities. reasons. 22 LOCKS

A lock is a chamber that holds water and lowers or raises boats between the different levels of the canal. Locks should be treated with respect and you should not operate them unless you are confident in their use.

Going Up Going Down • When you start, the lock must be empty. • When you start, the lock must be full.

• Ensure no paddles have been left open. • Ensure no paddles have been left open.

• Open bottom gates and take boat in. • Open top gates and take boat in.

• Close bottom gates. • Close top gates.

• Open top paddles carefully and gradually. • Open bottom paddles carefully and gradually.

• As the boat rises, ensure that the bow does • Keep clear of the cill (the step in the lock) not snag on the forward lock gate. behind you under the top gate.

• When on a level, open top gates and exit. • When level, open bottom gates and exit.

• Ensure all gates and paddles are closed but • Ensure all gates and paddles are closed but look out for special instructions about how look out for special instructions about how the lock should be left. the lock should be left. More detailed instructions about operating locks can be obtained online. 23 Recommended sites are

Inland Waterways Association: www.waterways.org.uk Look for the Boating section

Canal & River Trust: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Search: Boater’s Handbook

Ryeford Double Lock - A Staircase Lock

• At Ryeford Double Lock, the bottom gates of the top lock are also the top gates of the bottom lock, and water from the top lock fills the bottom lock.

• You need to prepare both locks before you start through the staircase.

• Never empty the top lock unless the bottom lock is already empty.

• Once you’ve prepared both locks, make sure all the paddles are fully closed. If the water level isn’t right, you could get stuck on the cill between the locks. If you do, just make sure the paddles on the bottom lock gates are closed and slowly let the water into the lower lock from the top lock.

Going Up Going Down

When you start, the bottom lock should be When you start, the top lock should be full and empty and the top lock full. the bottom empty. 24 Ebley Floodgates

The Ebley Floodgates are a single pair of lock gates situated next to the footbridge at Ebley Wharf. The gates are a vital part of a flood protection scheme which diverts all excess water into the river and thus prevents flooding in Central Stroud and the surrounding areas.

The gates must remain closed at all times except when a boat is navigating them. In times of flood, or when flood is imminent, there will be red signs placed on the gates and navigation is not permitted. In normal operation the signs on the gates will be amber or yellow, indicating the relative flood risk.

The gates have normal lock paddles in them. The paddle on the non-towpath side is locked and, as part of a careful water management scheme, it must only be adjusted by authorised personnel. The paddle on the towpath side is available for use in the rare event that the levels on each side of the gates are unequal. This paddle must be closed after use.

In summary, the three golden rules are:

• Never adjust the paddle on the non-towpath side.

• If the signs on the gate are red then do not open the gates or adjust the paddles. Be aware that the flow and levels upstream of the gates can vary and may be dangerous.

• In all other cases close the gates and the towpath side paddle after use. The gates should never be left open.

TOWPATH CODE Share the space Towpaths are popular places to be enjoyed by everyone. Please be mindful of others, keep dogs under control, and clean up after them. There is currently an SDC Public Spaces Order that requires dogs to be kept on leads at all times. It is an offence not to clean up – use poo bags and place in a bin adjacent to the towpath or a domestic landfill waste bin. Drop your pace

Pedestrians have priority on our towpaths so be ready to slow down; if you’re in a hurry, consider using an alternative route for your journey. It’s a special place

Our waterways are a living heritage with boats, working locks and low bridges so please give way to waterway users and be extra careful where visibility is limited. TOWPATH POLICY 25

Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC) has, by kind permission, adopted the Canal and River Trust National Towpath Policy as its guide. This policy can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/8535-national-towpath-policy.pdf

SVCC is committed to providing a towpath available to all users of the canal, and to maintaining and improving the towpath to the best of our ability and resources.

Principles of Towpath Use:

1. SVCC’s towpaths are places for people to spend time safely for a variety of activities.

2. Everyday access to the towpaths will be free to everyone, although we reserve the right to charge for specific access such as special events.

3. Towpaths will be available to support both use of the water-space, and the towpaths themselves.

4. SVCC aims to improve towpaths to achieve a good towpath condition throughout its length, consistent with the character of the area in which the towpath is located.

5. SVCC wants to offer all users an enjoyable towpath experience and recognises that this is dependent on people being considerate, particularly to those who are not moving, are slower, or more vulnerable; in general priority should be given to the slowest and those using the waterway.

6. SVCC recognises the incorporation of towpaths as part of walking and cycling routes.

7. The Canal and River Trust’s Towpath Design Guidance specifies physical characteristics of towpaths and also includes requirements for signage, recognising shared use and the historic waterside character.

8. Where there are concerns over towpath capacity or condition, we will seek opportunities to secure further external investment.

9. Where towpaths are unsuitable for some uses – too narrow or too heavily-used – we will seek to work with others to provide alternative routes.

10. Whilst SVCC is committed, within the above limitations, to providing a towpath, it reserves the right to close or restrict the use of the towpath at any time for maintenance purposes, and will aim to keep such disruption to a minimum.

11. Horses are not permitted on our towpaths. 26 VOLUNTEERING

Do you have time to spare and energy to share?

SVCC relies on an increasing band of volunteers to keep the canal in good order and to continue the restoration of the canal. Our colleagues at the Cotswold Canals Trust and Stroud District Council’s canal team have many volunteering opportunities.

If you have time to spare and energy to share to assist in the maintenance and restoration of the Cotswold Canals then you can become an SVCC Lengthsperson or Lock-keeper volunteer. Duties may be carried out during the week Camaraderie, Achievement & Fun or at weekends, the choice is theirs. We will provide training as well as a full kit. No previous Since the 1970s to the present day, volunteers experience required, just enthusiasm. have undertaken many activities along the line of the Cotswold Canals. Volunteers often speak of the new friendships, fun and sense of You could also become a Cotswold Canals achievement they enjoy. They also comment Trust or Stroud District Council Canal team on the benefits of ‘healthy exercise with a volunteer. purpose’. Canal work parties take place during the week and on occasional weekends. We have much to do and need as many hands to help as we can attract. To achieve our aims we seek mainly enthusiastic volunteers, but New volunteers are always if you have skills such as those below, these welcome! Here’s how to join us. could also be of use to the project: If you are interested in SVCC Lengthsperson • Labouring & landscape maintenance or Lock-keeper volunteering please call Les • Bricklaying Richards on 07867 907080. • Structural construction • Machinery maintenance & operation Call CCT’s Admin Team 01453 752568 • Project management • Team leaders, Register on CCT’s Connect website • Planning, legal, health & safety www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk Click: Volunteer • Financial and professional • Engineering advice Connect is an online system that connects • General administrative duties the work force to the work to be done. Once • Human resources you have registered the Connect Webmaster • Retail will contact you with further information, • Public relations including details of the Activity & Team Leaders • Marketing responsible for activities you have shown • Presentations interest in. The Team Leader will then invite you to come along to an activity or event. SVCC - WHO WE ARE 27

Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC) was formed in 2009 by four principal partners. These are Cotswold Canals Trust, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud District Council and the Company of the Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation. These partners each have a nominated Director and are joined with currently nine independent Directors.

SVCC owns or leases the Cotswold Canals from Whitminster Lock in the West through to just past Bourne Lock, Brimscombe in the East. The company is a not-for-profit organisation and Registered Charity. Apart from a part time Administrator, SVCC has no paid employees and relies heavily on the excellent work carried out on its behalf by volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) and Stroud District Council (SDC).

SVCC is the navigation authority on the Stroudwater section of the canal and has prime responsibility for managing and maintaining the canal once the canal has been restored. Currently this effectively means from Pike Lock, Eastington to Hope Mill in the East. The company is also heavily involved with Brimscombe Port. Several properties are also owned and leased by SVCC who also look after surface water discharge, fishing and other licences.

www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk 01453 752568

The Cotswold Canals Trust is the membership organisation which supports the restoration of the Cotswold Canals. Their volunteers have worked alongside those from the Waterways Recovery Group. Stroud District Council have also organised drop-in work parties.

Visit one of the three Visitor Centres to find out more about the canals. Two are marked on these maps and the third one can be found at Saul Junction on the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal.

HOW YOU CAN HELP • Become a member of the Cotswold Canals Trust • • Become a volunteer • • Donate to the Cotswold Canals Trust • STROUD VALLEYS CANAL COMPANY

In 2006, restoration of the Cotswold Canals was boosted when a funding package was secured to restore the canal from Brimscombe to Thrupp. More recently, funding was obtained to restore the canal from Stonehpuse to Saul Junction on the main waterways network. The largest contributor was the National Lottery Heritage Fund, (previously known as the Heritage Lottery Fund.

USEFUL WEBSITES Stroud Valleys Canal Company: www.stroudvalleyscanal.co.uk Cotswold Canals Trust: www.cotswoldcanals.org.uk Cotswold Canals Connected (Phase 1B) www.cotswoldcanalsconnected.org Stroudwater History www.stroudwaterhistory.org.uk Inland Waterways Association: www.waterways.org.uk Canal & River Trust: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Cotswold Canals in Pictures www.cotswoldcanals.net Stroud Tourist Information www.cotswolds.com

CONTACT POINTS

Canal related emergency phone 01453 222104 (for other emergencies call Emergency Services on 999)

Chairman & Commercial Director John Twydell 01453 453810 Strategy Director Fod Barnes 01453 872001 Property Director Mike Lambert 01452 741860 Engineering Director Geoff Dyer 01453 873095 Administrator Jude Lindley 01453 758331 / 07950 651228

Published JULY 2021 www.stroudvalleyscanal.co.uk