For anyone who enjoys narrowboating, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal offers a fantastic mix of history, engineering marvels, and scenic beauty. On this particular journey, we’ll take you through two of the canal’s most impressive tunnels – Shortwood and Tardebigge – as we cruise from Tardebigge to the quaint village of Alvechurch. For Chris and Adam, this day on the water was all about experiencing the quiet, hidden world beneath the surface and the peaceful countryside beyond.
Setting Off from Tardebigge
The journey begins at the famous Tardebigge flight, known for its impressive series of locks – the longest in the UK. Although Chris and Adam have navigated their way through these locks in the past, today’s trip is about a different kind of canal adventure: the tunnels. With their narrowboat prepared and stocked, they set off in the early morning, with the excitement of exploring the canal’s hidden depths ahead of them.
Leaving Tardebigge behind, the tranquillity of the canal is immediately felt. The narrowboat glides along the water, surrounded by rolling hills and shaded by the canopy of overhanging trees. It’s a serene stretch of canal, but the real excitement lies ahead – Shortwood Tunnel.
Shortwood Tunnel – 614 Yards of Quiet Wonder
After a peaceful cruise, Chris and Adam approach the entrance of Shortwood Tunnel. Stretching 614 yards, the tunnel is an engineering marvel. Built in the 18th century, it was a key part of the canal’s construction, designed to avoid the need for steep and difficult inclines.
As the boat enters the tunnel, the world outside fades away, replaced by the eerie quiet and cool dampness of the tunnel’s interior. Chris takes the helm, carefully steering the boat through the dark passage, while Adam watches the low ceiling and brick walls pass by in the dim light. The echo of the boat’s engine fills the tunnel, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. It's moments like these that remind them of the vast history behind the canal system and the impressive engineering that made it possible.
Emerging into Daylight
After what feels like a journey into another world, the boat emerges from the darkness of Shortwood Tunnel and into the bright daylight on the other side. The landscape returns to its peaceful, rural beauty, and Chris and Adam enjoy a brief stretch of open canal as they prepare for the next tunnel: Tardebigge.
Tardebigge Tunnel – 580 Yards of Canal History
Not far beyond Shortwood Tunnel lies the entrance to Tardebigge Tunnel, slightly shorter at 580 yards but no less impressive. The anticipation builds once again as they enter the mouth of the tunnel. The experience is similar to Shortwood, but the knowledge that this tunnel, too, has stood the test of time for centuries adds a sense of awe to the journey.
In the heart of the tunnel, the only light is that which reflects off the water and the narrowboat itself. The silence, punctuated only by the hum of the boat, creates an almost meditative atmosphere. Time seems to stretch out as they navigate through the brick-lined passage, a reminder of the hidden wonders beneath the English countryside.
Alvechurch – A Well-Deserved Break
With the tunnels behind them, Chris and Adam soon find themselves approaching the charming village of Alvechurch. The transition from the cool, dark tunnels to the open air and green fields is refreshing, and they decide to moor up near the village for a well-deserved break.
Alvechurch is the perfect spot to end the day’s journey. A quintessential English village with a rich history, it offers a quiet retreat for narrowboaters. Chris and Adam take a stroll through the village, stopping for a pint at The Crown Inn, a cosy pub known for its warm atmosphere and traditional ales.
As they sit by the canal, watching other boats drift by and reflecting on their day, the contrast between the quiet mystery of the tunnels and the open, welcoming charm of Alvechurch is striking. It’s a reminder of the unique variety that canal journeys offer, from hidden engineering marvels to peaceful countryside retreats.
Reflections on the Journey
The Worcester & Birmingham Canal is full of surprises, and the journey through Shortwood and Tardebigge Tunnels is one of the highlights. For Chris and Adam, this trip was more than just a passage through the countryside – it was an adventure into the past, a glimpse of the hidden world that lies beneath the surface of England’s canals.
For those looking for a memorable narrowboat journey, this stretch of canal is a must. Whether you’re fascinated by the engineering feats of the 18th century or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal – and its tunnels – offer an unforgettable experience. So if you find yourself near Tardebigge or Alvechurch, be sure to take the time to explore this incredible stretch of waterway.