Stroudwater Navigation Ebley to Wallbridge

Section 1 - Lockham to Whitminster Wharf (A38)

2c Ocean - Ryeford Double Lock

This length of canal was the subject of a major flood relief scheme shortly after the canal was abandoned and is now classed as "main river" by the Environment Agency. Under the current restoration programme, the water levels are being restored to about the original operating level with major new control weirs and structures managing flood conditions and enabling navigation. 

	At present, from Ryeford Double Lock to the tail of the Dudbridge Locks is navigable but isolated with, at the beginning on 2013, major restoration work is still underway at the Dudbridge Locks. Work on Lodgemore bridge and Wallbridge Lower Lock has yet to start.
	As of 2012 Navigation for all craft is possible from the restored Ryeford Double Lock to the Dudbridge Locks except under flood conditions when the Ebley Flood Gates will be closed.
	A little upstream of Ebley, Hilly Orchard Bridge has been rebuilt and there is a large public space on the towpath side.
	The canal continues eastwards towards Dudbridge where a new bridge carries the A419 dual carriage way over the canal with full navigation
	An hand operated crane still survives on what was the old Dudbridge wharf.
	Immediately beyond the bridge is Dudbridge Lower Lock with this and the nearby Dudbridge Upper Lock undergoing restoration in 2013 . The two locks at Dudbridge have had their top gates replaced with concrete dams about 1m below the original water level. This work was carried out when the canal was modified to become a  flood relief channel. The canal carries the flows from Slad Brook and the Painswick Stream with Ruscombe brook joining the canal between the two Dudbridge locks, and these flows are being harnessed to generate hydro power to provide an income stream to help maintain the restored canal. In times of flood, the flows down the canal can be considerable and most winters see periods of high flows which can restrict navigation. A large bywash weir has been built to carry up to 20 cubic metres of surplus water around these locks in times of flood.
	The canal presses on towards Stroud and the next road crossing is at Chestnut Lane where a large electrically powered swing bridge has been installed. Particular care is needed in times of higher flow. Upstream of the Bridge at Stratchans Close is a new CCT built slipway which will be the primary means by which larger craft can access the restored Phase 1A length. The slipway is locked and arrangements for access need to be made through SVCC.
	Lodgemoor Bridge is another former swing bridge and is unusual in that it is also a skew bridge. It is also the last bridge over the Stroudwater before its terminus is reached at Wallbridge. As Stroud is approached, the Painswick Stream enters on the north bank. This used to be navigable for a short distance at one time. Immediately upstream of this confluence is a low weir across the canal which will be removed when this section is restored.
	The Thames & Severn Canal leaves the Stroudwater Canal at Wallbridge on the north bank. The Stroudwater Navigation used to terminate in a basin just beyond this point but it has been filled in and is now occupied by various businesses. The original red brick warehouse still stands on the north side as does the former headquarters building of the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation just beyond it - this is best viewed from either the T&S Canal towpath or the main road.
	Wallbridge Lower Lock is due for restoration in 2013 or 2014 and Wallbridge Upper Lock has already been restored. It will soon be possible to navigate through the new section of canal at Capels Mill to Bowbridge Lock. The next 2Km section beyond this and including Bowbridge, Griffins Mill and Ham Mill locks is being restored by volunteers  with a probably completion in 2015/16. In the meantime, some of the western sections of the T&S Canal between Stroud and Chalford are suitable for navigation by small craft. The section to Brimscombe Port is also part of the current Phase 1A restoration programme with the latter being part of a self contained restoration project. The section from Brimscombe to Chalford is mainly still owned by Gloucestershire County Council who took over the operation of the T&S Canal over a century ago. Some lengths are still in water but sometimes reeded over.

Section 2 - Meadow Mill to Ryeford Double Lock          Thames & Severn Canal Description and Pictures

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