Stroudwater Navigation Ebley to Wallbridge

Section 1 - Latham 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. The water level is far lower than the original operating level and can be shallow in places. It can be navigated by canoes with care when prevailing circumstances provide sufficient but not excessive water. Those choosing to navigate this section do so entirely at their own risk and the Company cannot be held responsible for users misjudging the suitability of this length for use.

At present, the available length commences just east of Ebley Mill at Fromebridge Gardens where the water passing down the canal is discharged into the River Frome. Works are underway to excavate the canal past Ebley Mill and beyond where tipping resulted in the canal being infilled some 30 years ago.  Ongoing work either side of Ebley Mill means that these new sections are not available for navigation by any craft yet; please return to this page to check availability.  Eventually, the whole length to Ryeford Double Lock will be cleared and the water level increased to permit full navigation again.

A little upstream of Ebley, an area is reached where there has been major redevelopment on both sides of the canal. The canal is crossed by temporary foot bridge then a pipe at the location of Hilly Orchard Bridge which is in the process of being rebuilt.








The canal continues eastwards towards Dudbridge where a new bridge carries the A419 dual carriageway over the canal with full navigation clearance. Immediately beyond the bridge is Dudbridge Lower Lock and it is necessary to portage round this and the nearby Dudbridge Upper Lock .







Adjacent to this section of canal is a unique survivor - the Dudbridge Crane stands on what was once Dudbridge Wharf. It is complete. and dates back to the mid 19th century. It is the only crane left on the whole Cotswold Canals network.





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,

In times of flood, the flows down the canal can be considerable and most winters see periods of high flows making navigation unwise.

When the canal is restored, a large bywash weir will be needed to carry the surplus water around these locks.






The canal presses on towards Stroud and the next road crossing is at Chestnut Lane where a former swing bridge has been fixed. Most small craft should be able to pass underneath but particular care is needed in times of higher flow.







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.




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 redbrick 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.



Some of the western sections of the T&S Canal between Stroud and Chalford are suitable for navigation by small craft. These sections are mostly in the ownership of Gloucestershire County Council but are likely to be transferred to British Waterways in due course.

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

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