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Before describing the Gloucester- Sharpness canal, it is worth mentioning the approach downstream from the River Severn. Most boats, other than seagoing craft coming up from the estuary, will arrive from this direction. The approach from the river can be hazardous due to the possibility of high water levels and tidal conditions, and the final entry into Gloucester lock is one of the more difficult on the inland waterways (at least when there is any current in the river). The following is written from the perspective of a narrowboat owner: cruisers may find some of the advice, especially on approaching Gloucester Lock, less relevant to their needs.
Water levels on the river between Gloucester and Upper Lode lock, just below Tewkesbury, are controlled by weirs close to Gloucester. The river channel splits about 3 miles above Gloucester, the Eastern channel being navigable and the Western no longer so. There is a weir at Maisemore just below the upper parting on the Western channel, and one at Llanthony on the Eastern channel just below Gloucester lock.
Tides occur regularly on the river above Gloucester, generally around times of full moon and new moon. The tide coming up from the estuary encounters a sudden narrowing of the river about ten miles below Gloucester, and this may cause a tidal-wave to rush up the river towards Gloucester - the "Severn Bore". The Bore may overtop the weirs causing an increase in water levels in the upper river. Boaters should beware of navigation on the river below Tewkesbury at these times, as levels of water can increase rapidly, high currents may be encountered, and high water levels will cause large increases in the amount of floating debris in the river. In particular, the rising tide rushes up the Western channel faster than the Eastern channel, and for a few minutes after it has overtopped the weir at Maisemore will flow back down the Eastern channel until the levels equalise. This is not a good time to be in the Eastern channel in a boat, as very strong currents and turbulence will be met.
The trip from Upper Lode to Gloucester can be readily completed in about 3 hours (4 hours for the upstream trip). Take the opportunity to ask the lock-keeper at Tewkesbury about river conditions and any commercial traffic expected (see below). If in doubt, ring the lock on 01684 293138 or call on VHF channel 74, especially around Spring tides to get advice on best departure times. Do not contemplate the trip without an adequate anchor with chain and rope, and a plan on how to deploy it. The anchor must be ready to use: it would not be a good idea to be searching in the bilges for it while the boat heads for one of the weirs.
There are limited opportunities to stop below Upper Lode: the banks of the river are mostly gently sloping mud, which is very uninviting. Small, shallow-drafted craft could beach easily, but heavy craft such as narrowboats would risk becoming stuck fast. Such moorings as exist are quite restricted and busy in summer and at weekends. The water point shown in the Nicholson guide books at Upper Lode lock does not exist: the only water available between Tewkesbury and Gloucester is on the Lower Lode moorings.
Moorings on the river are available at:
All of the above are on the West bank, except the Coalhouse Inn and the Globe Inn.
The river is pleasant near Tewkesbury, but soon becomes tree-lined and rather dull. Because of the severe winter floods, there are very few houses or villages along the river and it feels very remote.
The Eastern channel is just past an area of open meadow on the east bank. It is marked from a distance by a small factory chimney, and is clearly signposted. (This factory is the notorious waste chemical reprocessing works at Sandhurst, which exploded in late 2000 just after the floods)
Once in the Eastern Channel, beware of large boats coming in the opposite direction. There is limited passing room, and some tight bends. This stretch of water is still used by commercial traffic, albeit at much lower levels than in years gone by. The Oliver Cromwell is a large, ugly hotel boat made to look like a Mississippi stern-wheeler, which makes a return weekly trip to the Gloucester-Sharpness canal from Stourport. Her sister boat the Edward Elgar also travels on this stretch of water. Healings Mill at Tewkesbury still used large grain barges until recently, and there are plenty of large cruisers using the river.
The final approach to Gloucester is under three bridges and a series of sharp, blind bends. Gloucester lock is manned and the opening times vary with season. When nearing the lock, (eg at the first of the bridges, about ten minutes from the lock) call on VHF 74 or 01452 310832 to ask the keeper to prepare it for you. A call before entering the Eastern Channel would also be a good idea so that any boats coming up can be warned to expect you.
On rounding the final bend towards Gloucester lock, drop speed and keep to the left (East) bank. The previously tree-lined left bank becomes a tall, concrete quay. The final hundred metres or so before the lock has chains and vertical lines let into grooves in the concrete for mooring. If the lock is not ready, do not try to turn the boat upstream. Have the stern line available, and keeping as close to the quay wall as possible bring the boat to a halt with reverse gear. Slip the line around one of the mooring chains as far back from the lock as possible and fix it to a stern stud, then allow the boat to drop back onto the line. Take great care not to get a line around the prop! (I find a 4 m length of thick rope with a loop spliced onto each end is useful here, as the stiffness makes it easier to get around the mooring chains).
Once the lock is ready and the traffic light is green, take tension off the stern line with reverse engine power, slip the line free and take it in (to prevent prop fowling). Reverse gear should bring the front of the boat out from the bank. Once it is a little out, engage forward gear and head for the lock, keeping close to the left bank and aiming for the left side of the lock chamber.
Just in front of the lock, the river sweeps sharply to the right and will take the bows of the boat around very rapidly if there is any current flowing. Be prepared to enter the lock a bit faster than normal: there is plenty of room inside to stop. In most years boats have to be recovered from below the lock: the channel below the lock is very narrow, rubbish-strewn and fast-flowing, and leads quickly to the weir.
The lock-keeper will lower a hook to take bow and stern lines around a bollard. As the lock is very deep, lines of at least 10 m, preferably 15 m, are needed. The lock is quite turbulent when filling, so keep as far back from the front gates as possible (avoiding the bridge at the tail of the lock!).