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Cruising time about one week at an easy pace.
Lots of lock free sections: Wallsall, Wyrley and Essington and Birmingham New Main Line canals.
and then a few small flights of locks.
Note: Loading Locks & Bridges at the same time on large & complex maps can be cluttered.
Zoom in to spread items and see greater detail.
Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Birmingham Ring—also known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations Ring (BCN Ring)—is a scenic and historic circular narrowboat route ideal for boaters looking to explore the industrial heritage, urban landmarks, and green canal corridors of the English Midlands.
Covering approximately 45 miles and featuring around 54 locks, this circular canal route is perfect for a 7 to 10 cruise day holiday. The route connects five major canals through Birmingham and the surrounding countryside, creating a memorable waterway journey.
The Birmingham Ring is made up of the following canal routes:
Looking to hire a boat? There are several convenient bases along the ring:
These marinas offer a wide variety of narrowboats for hire, suitable for couples, families, or groups.
From vibrant city life to countryside tranquillity, the Birmingham Ring offers a wonderful mix for mooring and eating. Popular stops include:
If you're seeking a canal cruise with a mix of culture, countryside, and challenge, the Birmingham Ring is the perfect circuit. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to canal holidays, this ring offers something for everyone.
Birmingham Ring: A Boater's Odyssey through Urban Waterways
Embarking on the Birmingham Ring isn't just a canal journey; it's an immersive experience through a fascinating blend of industrial history, vibrant urban landscapes, and tranquil pockets of nature. From a boater's point of view, this circular route unveils a captivating narrative along the waterways surrounding England's second city.
Starting Point: Gas Street Basin:
The adventure often commences at Gas Street Basin, the heart of Birmingham's canal network. Boaters are greeted by a mix of historic charm and modern energy as they set cruise amidst the city's iconic architecture.
Navigating the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal:
As the boat glides along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, the urban scenery transforms. Quirky houseboats, trendy pubs & cafes, and street art-lined towpaths create a vibrant backdrop against the industrial heritage.
Tackling the Farmers Bridge Locks and the Aston Flight of Locks:
The journey involves negotiating the Aston Flight, a set of 11 locks presenting both a challenge and an opportunity to interact with fellow boaters. It's a bustling stretch, echoing with the sounds of lock gates and excited conversations.
Salford Junction: Where Canals Converge:
Salford Junction marks a pivotal point where the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal meets the Tame Valley Canal. Boaters witness the convergence of waterways, reflecting the city's role as a canal hub.
The Wyrley and Essington Canal
Meanders through Brownhills, Pelsall Wood, Fishley, Goscote and then onto the Wallsall Canal just north of Walsall. Down all 8 of the Walsall Locks.
Cruising the Birmingham New Main Line:
Lock free cruising on the Walsall Canal to the Birmingham New Main Line, the boater is treated to a diverse panorama. Passing through urban landscapes, verdant parks, and the quaint suburbs of Birmingham, it's a dynamic voyage through the city's many faces.
Return to Gas Street Basin:
The journey concludes where it began, at Gas Street Basin. Boaters now have a fresh perspective on Birmingham, having traversed its waterways, explored its diverse districts, and appreciated the unique blend of urban and natural elements.
The Boater's Reflections:
From the boater's viewpoint, the Birmingham Ring is a narrative of contrasts—the urban buzz and the quiet countryside, the industrial past and the modern present. It's a voyage through a city's evolution told by the canals that have been witness to centuries of change.
Embarking on the Birmingham Ring isn't just a canal circuit; it's a boater's odyssey through the heart of England's urban history, a journey that unfolds Birmingham's story along its vibrant and historic waterways.
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
We have added 103 Waterways and there are 3048 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
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Waterside Attractions. We continue to add items on a very regular basis.
Many entries have several services on offer, on average 5 services (some have many more). This means there are approx. 5 x the number of services listed.
