This is one of my favourite places to visit in my area and it's actually a crossroad of two canals. Known as Saul Junction the original canal goes from left to right and is the old canal that goes from the River Severn to the River Thames on the other side of the Cotswold Hills. It was completed in 1789.
The canal coming in from the right and under the footbridge is the Gloucester to Sharpness canal as is thought to be the deepest in the UK and can take some very big ships up to the Gloucester Docks. Opened in 1827 it meant that ships could bypass the dangers and bends of the River Severn.
The old Thames and Severn Canal has been blocked off at a lock on the left and it's the other way that they are trying to reopen up my valleys. The building in front of you is the Bridgeman’s cottage, still used to open the footbridge for the large ships going north. At one time it was a lovely cafe run by the Bridgeman’s wife.
There are some wonderful walks along both canals from here and several places, just where I'm stood, for picnics and to watch the wildlife and boats going by.
