Maps and DVDs for the Waterways of Britain – The Newest and Best
A series of images which allow you to “cruise” along the waterway from the comfort of your armchair. I’m gradually expanding the range of waterways covered. Select the waterway for your Virtual Cruise (VC) from the list below Select your Continue reading Virtual Cruises (VC)
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Ashby Canal. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Ashby Canal
Leaving the Coventry Canal and entering the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction. Continue reading Marston Junction
Limit of Navigation on the Ashby Canal in 2010. Continue reading Ashby Canal Limit of Navigation in 2010
Start of the restored section of the Ashby Canal at Donisthorpe, looking towards Moira. Continue reading Start of Restored Section of Ashby Canal
Standing beyond the end of the restored section of the Ashby Canal, looking back into Bath Yard Basin. Continue reading Bath Yard Basin
You can make a virtual cruise (VC) along the canal from the comfort of your armchair. Just select your starting point below, then click the next buttons to move along the canal. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Ashton Canal
Looking along the Rochdale Canal at Ducie Street Junction, with the Pennines behind the camera and the Rochdale Nine Locks leading to Castlefield Junction heading to the upper right of the photo. Continue reading Ducie Street Junction
Looking along the Ashton Canal towards Manchester to Clayton Junction where the abandoned Stockport Canal once passed under the towpath bridge on its way to Stockport. Continue reading Clayton Junction
Fairfield Junction sits immediately above Fairfield Top Lock 16. The Hollinwood Canal once ran straight ahead where the short remaining arm is now used for a marina. Continue reading Fairfield Junction
Looking along the Ashton Canal at Dukinfield Junction, with Manchester behind the camera. The Peak Forest Canal leaves under the bridge to the right on its way to Marple, Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth Basin. Continue reading Dukinfield Junction
Looking along the last few metres of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal where it meets the Ashton Canal end on. Continue reading Junction with Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
Our Waterway Routes narrowboat is turning onto the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal which is generally considered to start at Deep Cutting Junction these days. Continue reading Deep Cutting Junction
Farmers Bridge Junction is immediately above Farmers Bridge Lock 1.
The section of canal from Deep Cutting Junction (behind the camera) to the basin on the right was originally constructed as the Newhall Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). Continue reading Farmers Bridge Junction
The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal passes Aston Junction between Farmers Bridge Junction and Salford Junction. Continue reading Aston Junction
Salford Junction is one of the few junction where you can cruise in four different directions. Continue reading Salford Junction
The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal (from Birmingham) enters at the lower right of the photo and continues of the left of the photo to Whittington where it meets the disconnected section of the Coventry Canal end on. Continue reading Fazeley Junction
The end on junction of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and the Coventry Canal at Whittington is marked with a boundary stone. Continue reading Whittington Boundary Stone
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Digbeth Branch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Digbeth Branch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal passes Aston Junction between Farmers Bridge Junction and Salford Junction. Continue reading Aston Junction
The Digbeth Branch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal runs from Aston Junction to Typhoo Basin. Continue reading Digbeth Junction
The Digbeth Branch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal ends at Typhoo Basin. Two short arms remain from the three longer arms which once served the basin. Continue reading Typhoo Basin
Download maps of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). The most up to date and clearest maps of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if you prefer Continue reading Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) Maps
Ogley Junction is, today, considered the end of the Wyrley & Essington Canal which runs from Wolverhampton.
The Anglesey Branch runs from Ogley Junction to Anglesey Basin. Continue reading Ogley Junction
The northernmost point of the Birmingham Canal Navigations is Anglesey Basin at the end of the Anglesey Branch which starts at Ogley Junction. Continue reading Anglesey Basin
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Bradley Arm. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Bradley Arm (Wednesbury Oak Loop) of the Birmingham Canal Navigations
The New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations runs straight past Deepfields Junction between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Continue reading Deepfields Junction
Having passed under the proposed lift bridge the final obstacle is to pass through the pub car park to join the end of the Bradley Arm which is just the other side of the wall at the far end of the car park. Continue reading Through the Car Park
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Bradley Canal. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Bradley Canal of the Birmingham Canal Navigations
The Bradley Canal starts at Moorcroft Junction with the Walsall Canal, shown above. We are standing on the towpath looking across the Walsall Canal and into the Bradley Canal. Head left along the Walsall Canal for Tame Valley Junction and right for Walsall Junction Continue reading Moorcroft Junction
Having passed under the proposed lift bridge the final obstacle is to pass through the pub car park to join the end of the Bradley Arm which is just the other side of the wall at the far end of the car park. Continue reading Through the Car Park
< Bumblehole Branch End < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Boshboil Branch Dudley Port Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Netherton Tunnel Branch Next > < Bumblehole Branch Junction Hawne Basin > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations Continue reading Windmill End Junction
Windmill End Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Boshboil Branch Next > The Boshboil Branch extends just a short distance from Windmill End Junction where it meets the Dudley No 2 Canal
< End of Bumblehole Branch < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Bumblehole Branch < Parkhead Junction Windmill End Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Next > Looking along the Dudley No 2 Canal towards Windmill End Junction Continue reading Bumblehole Branch Junction
Bumblehole Branch Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Bumblehole Branch Next > The short Bumblehole Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) leaves the Dudley No 2 Canal near Windmill End.
The Wyrley and Essington Canal passes Pelsall Junction. It runs from Horseley Fields Junction at Wolverhampton to Ogley Junction. Continue reading Pelsall Junction
Pelsall Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Cannock Extension Canal Next > The Cannock Extension Canal of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) extends northwards from Pelsall Junction to its terminus at Norton Canes.
< Titford Pool Oldbury Locks Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Titford Canal Next > < End of Causeway Green Branch < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Causeway Green Branch At Causeway Green Junction the Titford Canal comes from Oldbury Continue reading Causeway Green Branch Junction
Causeway Green Branch Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Causeway Green Branch Next > The Causeway Green Branch used to extend beyond the motorway but this is the end today. Few boats reach this far as its Continue reading End of Causeway Green Branch
Catshill Junction on the Birmingham Canal Navigations is where the Daw End Branch meets the Wyrley & Essington Canal. Continue reading Catshill Junction
Catshill Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Daw End Branch Next > < Rushall Junction < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Rushall Canal The Daw End Branch meets end on with the Rushall Canal Continue reading Lock Keeper’s Cottage at Longwood Junction
< Black Delph Junction Tipton Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Next > Bumblehole Branch Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Next > Parkhead Junction is where the Dudley No 1 and Dudley Continue reading Parkhead Junction
Parkhead Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Next > Reaching the end of the Stourbridge Canal where it meets end on which the Dudley No 1 Canal just below Delph Locks.
< Bumblehole Branch End < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Boshboil Branch Dudley Port Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Netherton Tunnel Branch Next > < Bumblehole Branch Junction Hawne Basin > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations Continue reading Windmill End Junction
< End of Bumblehole Branch < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Bumblehole Branch < Parkhead Junction Windmill End Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Next > Looking along the Dudley No 2 Canal towards Windmill End Junction Continue reading Bumblehole Branch Junction
< Black Delph Junction Tipton Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Next > Bumblehole Branch Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Next > Parkhead Junction is where the Dudley No 1 and Dudley Continue reading Parkhead Junction
< Windmill End Junction < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Dudley No 2 Canal Hawne Basin (under the bridge) is at the practical limit of navigation on the Dudley No 2 Canal. Windmill End Junction is to the right. Continue reading Hawne Basin
< Spon Lane Junction Smethwick Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Old Main Line Next > End of Engine Arm > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Engine Arm Next > A photo taken in the top lock at Smethwick looking along Continue reading Engine Arm Junction
< End of Engine Arm < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Engine Arm The short Engine Arm of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) ends with a winding point, a service block, and a visitor mooring for one Continue reading End of the Engine Arm
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Gower Branch. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Gower Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
The New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations passes Albion Junction between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Continue reading Albion Junction
At Brades Hall Junction the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) runs from Birmingham (behind the camera) to Wolverhampton (straight ahead). Continue reading Brades Hall Junction
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Main Line. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Icknield Port Loop of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
At Icknield Square Junction the Icknield Port Loop diverges to the left under the towpath bridge. This loop was the original route of the canal. Continue reading Icknield Square Junction
The four-way signpost marks Rotton Park Junction. Continue reading Rotton Park Junction
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Main Line. Note the central part of the route splits into the alternative Old Main Line and New Main Line. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
Our Waterway Routes narrowboat is passing through Worcester Bar as it leaves the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and enters the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line at Gas Street Basin.
When first built the act of Parliament which authorised their construction required them to be separated by a bar and all good had to be transhipped across the bar. Eventually permission was granted for the channel to be constructed through the bar that we use today.
Our Waterway Routes narrowboat is turning onto the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal which is generally considered to start at Deep Cutting Junction these days.
Historically, the section from Deep Cutting Junction to Farmers Bridge Junction (at the top of Farmers Bridge Locks) was built as the Newhall Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). Continue reading Deep Cutting Junction
Deep Cutting Junction and Old Turn Junction are often considered as one junction where you can go four ways.
This side of the footbridge, with the signpost on the island, is Deep Cutting Junction where the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal to Fazeley Junction leaves behind the camera. The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) Main Line runs to Gas Street Basin and Worcester Bar to the left. Continue reading Old Turn Junction
Ladywood Junction is on the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). We are looking along the BCN Main Line towards Old Turn Junction, with Wolverhampton behind the camera.
The Oozells Street Loop, the original route for the canal, leaves under the bridge to the the right and takes a longer route to Old Turn Junction, passing through Sherborne Wharf on its way there. Continue reading Ladywood Junction
At Icknield Square Junction the Icknield Port Loop diverges to the left under the towpath bridge. This loop was the original route of the canal.
The bridge in the distance marks Rotton Park Junction which is at the other end of the Icknield Port Loop. Continue reading Icknield Square Junction
The four-way signpost marks Rotton Park Junction.
The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) Main Line runs from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. The original route of the canal now forms the Icknield Port Loop and the Soho Loop which diverge at this junction. Continue reading Rotton Park Junction
The finger sign at Winson Green Junction identifies the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) Main Line between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
At Winson Green Junction the Soho Loop, part of the original route of canal, leaves and rejoins at Rotton Park Junction. Continue reading Winson Green Junction
The signpost at Smethwick Junction marks the three way junction.
To the left is the main line to Birmingham. Straight on is the New Main Line to Wolverhampton and diverging is the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). Continue reading Smethwick Junction
The photo is taken on the Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations with Wolverhampton behind the camera.
Straight ahead is the New Main Line towards Birmingham and diverging to the right is the Old Main Line to Birmingham. Continue reading Factory Junction
The New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations runs straight past Deepfields Junction between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
Once a complete loop, known as the Wednesdbury Oak Loop, the remaining arm, often referred to as the Bradley Arm now only goes as far as Bradley Workshops. Continue reading Deepfields Junction
The Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations passes Horseley Fields Junction on its way between Birmingham and Aldersley Junction in Wolverhampton.
Branching off is the Wyrley and Essington Canal on its way to Ogley Junction vi Catshill Junction. Continue reading Horseley Fields Junction
We’re looking at Aldersley Junction from the end of the Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN).
The Staffs & Worcester Canal passes across the picture from Stourport on the left to Great Haywood Junction on the right. Continue reading Aldersley Junction
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Main Line. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
The signpost at Smethwick Junction marks the three way junction.
To the left is the main line to Birmingham. Straight on is the New Main Line to Wolverhampton and diverging is the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). Continue reading Smethwick Junction
The New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (bcn) passes Bromford Junction as it provides one of the routes between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Continue reading Bromford Junction
Pudding Green Junction lies on the New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Continue reading Pudding Green Junction
The New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations passes Albion Junction between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Continue reading Albion Junction
The photo is taken on the Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations with Wolverhampton behind the camera. Continue reading Factory Junction
< Windmill End Junction < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Netherton Tunnel Branch < Factory Junction Albion Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)New Main Line Next > We are looking down the Netherton Tunnel Branch on its way to Continue reading Dudley Port Junction
< Bumblehole Branch End < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Boshboil Branch Dudley Port Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Netherton Tunnel Branch Next > < Bumblehole Branch Junction Hawne Basin > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations Continue reading Windmill End Junction
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Old Main Line. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
The signpost at Smethwick Junction marks the three way junction. Continue reading Smethwick Junction
A photo taken in the top lock at Smethwick looking along the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations towards Wolverhampton, with Birmingham behind the camera. Continue reading Engine Arm Junction
Spon Lane Junction is where the Spon Lane Branch diverges from the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Continue reading Spon Lane Junction
The Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations passes Oldbury Junction on its route from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. Continue reading Oldbury Locks Junction
At Brades Hall Junction the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) runs from Birmingham (behind the camera) to Wolverhampton (straight ahead). Continue reading Brades Hall Junction
The Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations passes Tipton Junction between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Continue reading Tipton Junction
The photo is taken on the Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations with Wolverhampton behind the camera.
Straight ahead is the New Main Line towards Birmingham and diverging to the right is the Old Main Line to Birmingham. Continue reading Factory Junction
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Oozells Street Loop. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Oozells Street Loop of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
Deep Cutting Junction and Old Turn Junction are often considered as one junction where you can go four ways.
This side of the footbridge, with the signpost on the island, is Deep Cutting Junction where the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal to Fazeley Junction leaves behind the camera. Continue reading Old Turn Junction
Ladywood Junction is on the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). We are looking along the BCN Main Line towards Old Turn Junction, with Wolverhampton behind the camera.
The Oozells Street Loop, the original route for the canal, leaves under the bridge to the the right and takes a longer route to Old Turn Junction, passing through Sherborne Wharf on its way there. Continue reading Ladywood Junction
Catshill Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Daw End Branch Next > < Rushall Junction < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Rushall Canal The Daw End Branch meets end on with the Rushall Canal Continue reading Longwood Junction
Longwood Junction > Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Rushall Canal Next > < Tame Valley Junction Salford Junction > < Next Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)Tame Valley Canal Next > The Tame Valley Canal, part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, passes Rushall Junction Continue reading Rushall Junction
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Soho Branch. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Soho Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
The Soho Loop of the Birmingham Canal Navigations passes the junction for the Soho Branch. Continue reading Soho Branch Junction
The short Soho Branch runs from its junction with the Soho Loop to the terminus at Hockley Port. Continue reading End of Soho Branch
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Soho Loop. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Soho Loop of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
The four-way signpost marks Rotton Park Junction. Continue reading Rotton Park Junction
The Soho Loop of the Birmingham Canal Navigations passes the junction for the Soho Branch. Continue reading Soho Branch Junction
The finger sign at Winson Green Junction identifies the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) Main Line between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Continue reading Winson Green Junction
Select one of these starting points then keep clicking on the “Next” link to progress along the Main Line. Continue reading Virtual Cruise along the Spon Lane Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN)
Spon Lane Junction is where the Spon Lane Branch diverges from the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Continue reading Spon Lane Junction
Spon Lane Junction > BCN – Spon Lane Branch Next > < Pudding Green Junction Smethwick Junction > < Next BCN – New Main Line Next > The New Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (bcn) passes Bromford Junction as it provides one of the Continue reading Bromford Junction