Objective: Cycle from Stourport to Kidderminster on the Staffs & Worcester Canal, down the River Severn to Lincomb Lock, and back to Kidderminster.

Trip Type: solo cycle, there and back ride

Distance: 11 miles

Time to complete: 1.25 hrs, 8.5 mph

Nicholson Guide: Guide 2, pp 103, 109

Costs: none – free parking at Kidderminster, no train.

Difficulty: fair

Adjacent Rides: Halesowen to Kidderminster

Overview

This is a very short ride, just 4.5 miles of canal. You could tag it onto the Halesowen to Kidderminster ride if you’re up to it. The only reason I haven’t is that there is no railway station at Stourport, and so you would need to return to Kidderminster, or cycle to Hartlebury to catch a train back. I did the ride on a beautiful early sunny morning before breakfast starting and ending in Stourport, however I am describing the ride as starting from Kidderminster, to make it easier to follow if you are doing it as a continuation of the Halesowen to Kidderminster ride.

The first part, from Kidderminster to Stourport is on a good quality path. The second, the mile and a half down the River Severn to Lincomb Lock, is along the Severn Way footpath through woods along the riverbank.

1. Kidderminster to Stourport (3.5 miles)

Park in Park Lane, Kidderminster, DY11 6TG, further along from The Weavers pub as there is a 2 hour restriction by the premises. Go past The Weavers to Castle Road, turn left, cross the bridge and drop down the ramp to the towpath. Double back under the bridge to head south.

The towpath is excellent for the 3 miles or so to Stourport, mainly compacted earth and gravel. Watch out for a few metal fragments sticking up from the path. You shortly pass Falling Sand(s) Viaduct and Lock, and there are some lovely sandstone cliffs as you head out of town. The ride continues through nice countryside.

Arriving in Stourport you pass the Black Star pub, and under Mitton Street bridge, to the lock into the basin, which you will have to cycle around.

2. Stourport to Lincomb Lock (1.5 miles, plus return)

Cycle down Mart Lane, past the basin, and when you reach the river turn left and pass The Angel pub to join the Severn Way footpath, which at this point is good quality gravel. Having passed a few industrial buildings you go through open parkland, then into a wood, where the path becomes rougher but still fine. As you pass the caravan park the path narrows. There is a metal bridge over a basin entrance. For the last section to Lincomb Lock you are on an access road.

You can’t cycle any further down the Severn Path, so having admired the river lock turn around and head back to Stourport, and then Kidderminster.

The Angel Inn in Stourport is quirky and has some decent beers, and the Windlass Café does excellent breakfasts. The Weavers in Kidderminster serves a good pint of Bathams, as well as pork pies. The King & Castle, at the terminus of the Severn Valley Railway, and next to the main railway station, is also well worth a visit.