Be happier! Be heathier! Be by the water!

Whether you walk, run, bike or simply sit back and relax by the canal, the more time you spend by water the happier and healthier you feel.   

Photography by Kev Maslin

Photography by Karl Newton

 

Suggested canal locations to go and experience In Birmingham - enjoy!

There are so many locations along the canal network in and around Birmingham to enjoy.  It may be to experience what it would have been like in days gone by, to make use of the facilities on the canal or to simply take in all that the great outdoors has to offer.

Here's some suggested locations that we have mapped and featured for your enjoyment.

 

In and around the City

 

Gas Street Basin - where new meets old! - see map.

The Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline ends at the start of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Gas Street Basin. This was where the Worcester Bar was. Also near here was Old Wharf, where the canal used to continue on what is now the site of Arena Central. Venues here include The Canal House, Canalside Bar and the Tap & Spile. There is also Regency Wharf.

Photography by Hayley Jenkins-Jones

 

Old Turn Junction

At Old Turn Junction, it is where the Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline joins onto the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. When in fact it was the Newhall Branch as far as Cambrian Wharf (Farmers Bridge Locks). Near this junction is the Utilita Arena Birmingham, The Malt House and National Sealife Centre.

Photography by Hayley Jenkins-Jones 

At this location, there is so much to explore and enjoy.  There is Brindleyplace, the Sea-Life Centre, numerous bars, restaurants and cafes, the amazing Ikon Gallery and, not to be missed, the Birmingham Roundhouse. 

Photography by Hayley Jenkins-Jones

 

Soho Loop - BCN Old Mainline

The Soho Loop was part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Mainline in the Winson Green area of the city. It goes between Rotton Park Junction and Winson Green Junction, connecting to the straighter Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Selly Oak Winding Hole at the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Located near Sainsbury's, Unite Student accommodation and the Selly Oak Shopping Centre, at the Bristol Road in Selly Oak is the new Winding Hole. Built for the Lapal Canal Trust during 2022 at the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. There is also a new footbridge that crosses over the canal, and a path that goes under the railway viaduct to the Bristol Road near Bournbrook.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Kings Norton Junction

At Kings Norton Junction, this is where the Worcester & Birmingham Canal meets the Stratford-on-Avon Canal (also called Stratford-upon-Avon Canal). The Kings Norton Junction House is nearby (currently under restoration following a fire). There is walks towards Kings Heath and Yardley Wood in one direction, or towards Stirchley and Bournville in the other direction.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Venturing out of the city

Let's now venture out of the city and see what delights can be found along our vast network of canals. 

 

Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline - Dudley Port to Sandwell & Dudley

If you get the train from Birmingham New Street to Dudley Port, nearby is the Ryland Aqueduct on the BCN Mainline. Walk as far as you want, the line runs parallel with the Birmingham to Wolverhampton railway line. At one point the canal and railway switches sides. Get off in Sandwell, at either the Albion Bridge or Bromford Bridge, and walk to Sandwell & Dudley Station.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Bumble Hole

Bumble Hole and Warrens Hall Nature Reserve is a stunning location for a leisurely walk to take in some of the amazing history associated with the canals and enjoy the area's bustling wildlife. 

Photography by Daniel Sturley.

 

Tame Valley Canal

Get the train to Tame Bridge Parkway in Sandwell, to start a walk of the Tame Valley Canal. Once up there you cross over the Grand Junction Aqueduct  (crossing the Birmingham to Walsall railway line) and cross another aqueduct near the M5 and M6 motorways. You can continue walking towards Great Barr. On other walks you can do the section in Perry Barr, or go under Spaghetti Junction in Aston.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Walsall Canal

You can start a walk on the Walsall Canal from the Walsall Town Basin near New Art Gallery Walsall, and walk as far as the James Bridge Aqueduct. This gets you past the M6 motorway.

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

About the charity Canal & River Trust

The charity, Canal & River Trust, together with dedicated volunteers, do a wonderful job in protecting our canals for everyone to enjoy.

Photography by Damien Walmsley

Photography by Chris Fletcher

This feature is shared with our community and there some great contributions from volunteers and from people who love Birmingham's canals in and around the City.

Photography by Kev Maslin

Go and experience our canals and the great outdoors right on the cities doorstep!