Home page Walks photos Archive 2006		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Down by the Severn - 6 April 2006
		Ann's walk briefing
		Starting at Purton, we quickly climb up and have a look at the view ...
		Back down over the Severn. Is that May Hill again?
		Glorious sunshine, but still a nip in the air
		Ann (2nd row in green) is our leader
		Our way is clear
		The old warehouse, Sharpness docks (the brick building centre picture) - saved from demolition recently.
		Pat gives us a potted history of Sharpness Docks - very interesting it is too
		The old post box
		A view of the junction of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal with the Old and New Sharpness Docks and the Severn beyond
		Vindicatrix Monument in Sharpness, Vindicatrix was a Merchant Navy training ship that was broken up in 1967
		The old Sharpness docks with a decaying boat in the foreground
		Looking downstream to Oldbury
		Crossing the old sea lock to the former dock ...
		... which had to be extremely deep to cope with the second highest tidal range in the world
		Must be spring the bees are out!
		John even had time to do a quick watercolour!
		View from the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal towpath across the Severn
		A colourful boat in the marina at the end of the canal - but with all those fenders must be a learner driver?
		Returning via the canal towpath
		Remains of the old Severn Railway crossing bridge which was damaged beyond repair in 1960 when 2 barges collided with one of the piers. This part used to be a part of a swing bridge.
		With wide views over the river as the tide comes in
		Willow Trust boats approach
		Tide-washed footpath by the Severn
		A rather nice house on the banks of the Severn with the remains of an old Word War II pill box on the left
		The Berkeley Arms pub with opening times towards the end of the excellent walk
		Photos and captions thanks to Patrick, Mike and John
		As you can see, we thoroughly enjoy getting to know the South Cotswolds. We try to keep fit and succeed in having a good old chat. If you are interested in coming with us, see our walks programme and ring the leader if you have any questions about a particular walk. After two or three walks we hope you will then want to join the group as part of the national Ramblers' Association.