Back on the boat

After celebrating Christmas and New Year with family in Cheshire we’ve moved the boat out of the marina and hunkered down to recover from catching the winter lurgies. The peaceful waters are being rocked by either Storm Goretti or the dredger operating in the quays at Gloucester!

 

Our first shock has been to recognise how close we’ve been to having a disaster with the drive plate and the starter cable. That drive plate had only one functioning spring left (see link to video above) and the starter cable was almost completely chewed through. We cannot speak highly enough of the engineer Scott Lashbrook from GWD Marine for his excellent work, he spent four days sorting it all out. 

While we wait for another break in the weather, we’ve been reviewing our plans for 2026 (but we’re not telling you them in case we jinx ’em!) What I will say is that we’re spending Spring here on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal (G&S). We’ve been trying to get here since 2009 when we were living in Swindon, Wiltshire, so it’s a joy to finally get here and do some exploring.

On a cold sunny morning, we did a wander to what is sometimes referred to as the Purton Boat Graveyard or Purton Hulks. That sounds very ghoulish but is an accurate description of the sight of 80 rotting wrecks protruding from the banks of the River Severn. From 1909 to the 1960s, these barges, ketches, schooners and concrete lighters were purposefully beached here to strengthen the riverbank against high tides, reduce erosion and protect the embankment of the canal. Each boat has a story to tell, and together they span over 180 years of maritime history. “Harriett” is rather special, she was built at Honey Street, Pewsey in 1905 and is the last remaining example of a wooden Kennet barge. She used to work between the river and the docks in Bristol and is now a scheduled monument.

What I’m particularly loving about this canal are the views across the Severn Estuary, the largest estuary in the UK and famous for having Europe’s highest tidal range (up to 14.5m). When the conditions are right (about 260 times a year); higher tide, lower air pressure and low water levels in the river, the longest wave in the UK is created, the Severn Bore. Popular with kayakers and surfers, a 4-star wave can be up to 2.8m in height and travels at between 10-13 miles per hour. In the past it has wiped out boats but thankfully it hasn’t got a reputation for causing major injuries, just washing the legs of spectators, so as long as we stand well back, we should be safe watching the 1 and 2 star waves which are predicted while we’re here Severn Bore Timetable 2026.