To form the Junction, the level of the Stroudwater Canal had to be raised about four feet locally to suit the level of the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal, and this required the construction of a new lock (now derelict). A house was built at the Junction for the official who collected tolls from vessels passing from one canal to the other and who opened the foot-bridge over the Gloucester Canal.
After a slow decline, traffic on the Stroudwater Canal ceased in 1941, and much of the route became derelict, but the section to the south-east of Saul Junction continued to be maintained, as it served as a feeder bringing water from the River Frome into the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.
The above coordinates are for the suggested parking which is a layby, if this is full then go to the pay & display at 51 46.759 002 21.508.
Once you have parked go to 51 46.928 002 21.293 and find out when the Ships were at Gloucester Docks, this is 'ABCD'.
Now work out where to go next, be careful, many cachers have taken the more obvious, but incorrect footpath. If you stand looking at the pedestrian swing bridge, turn left past the front of the sculling centre, then turn immediately left onto the public footpath running next to the brook, heading for N 51° 47.520 W 002° 21.730:
Your route will take you across a minor road and then past a pleasant pub.
When you reach the coordinates you will see a bright red pillar box, the number of the box is GL2 ‘EFG’.
Now go to N 51° 47.524 W 002° 21.820
At this location, what are the top two numbers between the black 'rugby posts'? . These are 'HI'
Now go to the cache at: 51 (H-F)(I+E+A).(A+E+F)D(B-H-C) 002 (G-H)(C+E).(I-F-C)(B-I)(H-F-E-A)
You can use the link above to check the cache coordinates, it’s easy and FREE!
This cache will encompass parts of the River Frome, The Gloucester to Sharpness Canal, The Stroudwater Canal and The River Severn.
To the cache and back is a walk of approx 3.5 miles. There is a multitude of circular routes you could enjoy (and other caches), if you have OL14.
IF YOU TIME IT CORRECTLY, YOU CAN WATCH THE SEVERN BORE FROM THE CACHE SITE!
www.severn-bore.co.uk
This rural and peacefull walk is along public rights of way with some stiles and minor roads. It is also continually next to water so children should be supervised at all times.
The cache is a small plastic container which is ideal for bugs and coins.
Happy hunting ……