Soho Loop Part 2: Asylum Bridge to Winson Green Junction

On the 31st August 2023, I got the 82 bus to Dudley Road to complete the Soho Loop in Winson Green. Ended up returning via Norman Street Park and rejoining at the Asylum Bridge. Just a short walk to the end of the Soho Loop to Winson Green Junction. That towpath closed on the BCN Mainline to the Winson Green Bridge was open again, it's been tarmaced.

For part 1 follow this link to the post Soho Loop walk on the BCN Old Mainline

From the Costa Coffee at Utilita Arena Birmingham, I walked to the bus stop on Summer Hill Road, waiting for an 87, bus an 82 came first, so caught it up Spring Hill to Dudley Road. Got off and crossed over near City Hospital, then walked up towards Norman Street Park, and got on at the Asylum Bridge, just over a month since I left the Soho Loop in July 2023.

 

The Asylum Bridge

The Asylum Bridge is on the Revolution Walk from the Canal & River Trust.
Nearby was a Madhouse, Badhouse and the Workhouse. The Birmingham Union Workhouse and Infirmary was there from 1834, but by 1889 had space for over 2000 inmates. This is now part of Birmingham City Hospital.
Also here was the Borough Lunatic Asylum and Fever Hospital, from the 19th century. This is now the site of Birmingham Prison.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Prison Bridge and Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop)

The next bridge is the Winson Green Prison Bridge, which you walk over, followed by the Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop) which you walk under. This is as close as you get to Birmingham Prison, but you hardly notice it walking past.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop)

There is two bridges named Winson Green Bridge. This one is on the Soho Loop of the BCN Old Mainline. The other one is much higher crossing the BCN New Mainline. This is the last road bridge.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Railway Bridge

Next up is the Winson Green Railway Bridge. Behind you can see the yet to open Midland Metropolitan Hospital. When it opens in 2024, parts of City Hospital in Winson Green will close, and the site will be developed for housing.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Junction Bridge 

The end of the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction and you get to the Winson Green Junction Bridge. The bridge is Grade II listed and is a Horseley type cast-iron roving bridge dating to 1828.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Roving Bridge

Leaving the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction, you leave the Old Mainline for the New Mainline. The Winson Green Roving Bridge dates to 1828, and is a Winson Green Roving Bridge is a Horseley type cast-iron roving bridge dating to 1828.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Junction" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Junction

Since my last visit to the canals here, the towpath between Winson Green Roving Bridge and the Winson Green Bridge (Winson Green Road) has been reopened. Last time it was closed for resurfacing works. The Winson Green Junction Bridge is to the left and the northern end of the Soho Loop.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Junction" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View from the Winson Green Bridge

A look from Winson Green Road, on the Winson Green Bridge towards Winson Green Junction. From here, the Soho Loop starts to the right under the Winson Green Junction Bridge, while the BCN New Mainline continues north west towards Wolverhampton under the Winson Green Roving Bridge.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Winson Green Road has bus stops for the 11A and 11C. If getting the 11C, it would take you towards Erdington. From the 11A, you can go towards Bearwood, Harborne, Selly Oak, Bournville etc.

You need the Dudley Road for the 82 or 87 bus routes.

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

The changing face of the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside

There is major changes in the area around the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside, Birmingham. Between the Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance and the Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance. Birmingham City University built there Eastside campus nearby during the 2010s. Now HS2 is underway and Glasswater Locks too.

Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance, Ashted Lock's 2 and 3

The February 2011 view from Belmont Row. There was bulrushes growing next to Ashted Lock no  3. The land towards Lawley Middleway, had probably had demolition on it during the 2000s. Nothing would happen there until 2023!

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%20(Feb%202011)%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By March 2018, on the section towards the Belmont Row Bridge, near Ashted Locks 2 and 3, you could see the completed Birmingham City University buildings, University Locks, Curzon B, and the Curzon Building. The Lock Keepers Cottage was also restored. The towpath entrance / exit to Belmont Row was still open from this side, but still quite narrow. Wide enough for horses and people.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Belmont%20Row%20(Mar%202018)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By September 2019, half of the brick wall on the right had been demolished, with fencing up. Meanwhile, it was before Belmont Row Works got restored, and you could also see the Unite the Union / Eastside Rooms building (later completed in 2020).

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

As of August 2023, Glasswater Locks is under construction between Jennens Road, Lawley Middleway and Penn Street, with the Digbeth Branch Canal on one side. The towpath entrance from the Belmont Row Bridge is closed.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%2022082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Belmont Row Bridge, Ashted Lock's 4 and 5 to Curzon Street Bridge

The view from the Belmont Row Bridge in February 2011. You could clearly see the pool of water to the right of Ashted Lock's 4 and 5. Work on the Curzon Building wouldn't begin to the right until about 2013, two years later. Curzon Street was still visible ahead.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%20(Feb%202011)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The new steps from the Digbeth Branch Canal to Belmont Row and University Locks of Birmingham City University was open by September 2019.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There is a new entrance to the Digbeth Branch Canal from Belmont Row. To the left is student accommodation at University Locks (built 2015-16). To the right is the Curzon Building (built 2013-15), along with Curzon B (built 2016-18), all part of Birmingham City University. Seen during August 2023.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%2022082023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Curzon Street Bridge, Ashted Bottom Lock to Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance

This was what the Digbeth Branch Canal looked like between Curzon Street and the Curzon Street Tunnel in February 2011, long before HS2. There used to be a modern towpath exit up the the road near the railway, above the tunnel, this was open as late as 2018.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curzon%20St%20Tunnel%20(Feb%202011)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There used to be a circular area with benches, close to Curzon Street, as seen below in April 2017. It could have been used to move horses around in a circle with their rope attached to the narrowboat. Also the towpath exit used to lead to the road above the Curzon Street Tunnel. HS2 had closed this off by 2019 or 2020.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Curzon%20St%20(Apr%202017)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A now impossible shot from September 2018, I went up the towpath to the land above the Curzon Street Tunnel to look at the Birmingham City University buildings beyond Curzon Street. Access up here was still open into 2019, before HS2 eventually hoarded if off. Wasn't much up there, with land fenced off. This was before HS2 demolished the Curzon Gate student accommodation, in the way of the line in 2019.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Curzon%20St%20(Sep%202018)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By September 2019, the land above the Curzon Street Tunnel had been hoarded off by HS2, although the towpath ramp was still open, it didn't lead anywhere any more, other than above the tunnel.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

As of August 2023, Annatomix is working on finishing her mural for HS2 on the left, not far from the Ashted Bottom Lock. No longer access to the towpath exit above the tunnel now. But the towpath through the tunnel towards Fazeley Street is still open.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix%20HS2%20DGCE%2022082023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Keep Canals Alive! Narrowboats on the Birmingham Canal Navigations

On Sunday 13th August 2023, in response to Government plans to cut funding in future to the Canal & River Trust, there was a lot of narrowboats on the Birmingham Canal Navigations in Central Birmingham. From The Mailbox towards Utilita Arena Birmingham and beyond. I just saw them between the Arena, Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin when I was there.

The Birmingham Canals in the City Centre have seen a lot of regeneration over the last 30 plus years, on both sides of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline. From Brindleyplace to the National Indoor Arena (now Utilita Arena Birmingham). But in future years, the Government wants to cut the money they give to the Canal & River Trust to keep maintaining the network of canals around the country.

This view from Arena Birmingham South Car Park. National Sealife Birmingham on the left, with Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham below.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/National%20Sealife%20ABSCP%2013082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Narrowboats seen between Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin on Sunday 13th August 2023.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Keep Canals Alive Canal & River Trust campaign, the banner on a bridge near The Malt House, from Old Turn Junction, to the left is the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brindley Cruises narrowboat passing Old Turn Junction and National Sealife Birmingham.

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dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

More narrowboats heading under the Brewmasters Bridge.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Near the Brewmasters Bridge at Three Brindleyplace, a new venue The Park: Virtual Reality Experience.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A look back to Utilita Arena Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From Brindleyplace, saw a group of kayakers near The ICC. So I crossed over the Brindleyplace Bridge, then went to the Black Sabbath Bridge.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A narrowboat comes out of the Broad Street Tunnel below the Black Sabbath Bridge near Brindleyplace.

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dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Entering the Broad Street Tunnel / Black Sabbath Bridge, towards Gas Street Basin. More narrowboats coming through.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now at Gas Street Basin, the end of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline. Beyond was the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, with more narrowboats waiting.

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dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The other side of the Worcester Bar at Gas Street Basin, more narrowboats on the start of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Exiting Gas Street Basin near what was Old Wharf. Another narrowboat moored that day for the Keep Canals Alive campaign for the Canal & River Trust.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Soho Loop walk on the BCN Old Mainline

I was going to get onto the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction, but on the BCN Mainline near Winson Green Road, towpath was closed, so walked down and got on at Rotton Park Junction. Then a minor diversion at the Soho Wharf development before rejoining at Spring Hill. Stayed on the Soho Loop until the Asylum Bridge (although would have gone further). But exited to Norman Street Park.

The Soho Loop opened in 1772, and was part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Mainline and developed by James Brindley. It became a loop when the straighter Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline, developed by Thomas Telford, opened in 1827. This created two junctions: Rotton Park Junction with the Soho Loop, Icknield Port Loop and the BCN Mainline and Winson Green Junction.

 

This walk was on Sunday 23rd July 2023.

 

Rotton Park Junction

Having caught the 11C bus to Summerfield Park, Winson Green, my plans changed when I found the towpath closed at the Winson Green Bridge, so couldn't walk to Winson Green Junction, so instead walked down the BCN Mainline and crossed the Rotton Park Towpath Bridge a Rotton Park Junction to get onto the Soho Loop. Here the skyline has changed, with The Mercian, The Bank towers 1 & 2 and the Cortland Square development on Broad Street. Icknield Port Loop to the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2023072023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rotton Park Railway Bridge

View from the new Soho Wharf Footbridge, is the Rotton Park Railway Bridge at Rotton Park Junction. It carries the Birmingham to Wolverhampton railway line. This photo would have been impossible until the new footbridge had been built.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Wharf Footbridge

Most of the new Soho Wharf development on the left is now open. Also a new footbridge has opened to Spring Hill Wharf. I did walk a bit beyond, but found the towpath to be closed to Spring Hill, so had to double back, and divert off the Soho Loop and Soho Wharf to Dudley Road and Spring Hill.

dndimg alt="Soho Wharf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Wharf to Spring Hill

While I did walk a bit of the towpath here, found it to be closed at the Spring Hill Bridge, so had to leave the canal at Soho Wharf over the new footbridge. Street art on the walls to the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Wharf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spring Hill Bridge

A look at the Spring Hill Bridge and Soho Wharf. The towpath on this side was closed. Hopefully it wont be too long before they reopen it to the public.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spring%20Hill%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spring Hill Pipe Bridge 

Rejoining the Soho Loop at Spring Hill, to walk towards the Black British History is British History sculpture, this was the first bridge back on the canal.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spring%20Hill%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Towards Crabtree Lane

The Soho Loop from Spring Hill to Crabtree Lane. Passed several cyclists around here. Some parkland on the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Western Road Bridge

The Western Road Bridge carries Crabtree Lane.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Towards Hockley Port Junction

This long straight section towards Hockley Port Junction. Lots of trees here, feels very rural.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Branch at Hockley Port Junction

The next bridge crosses over at Hockley Port Junction which leads to the Soho Branch and Hockley Port. Private, the gate looked locked, but could see narrowboats down there.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Curving round City Hospital

A curved section, City Hospital is on the left (behind the trees). Then had to walk past lots of fishermen!

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country

Still passing the fishermen, on the left was The Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country, part of the Centre of the Earth. Was a boat moored called 'London Poly Roger'.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Poly%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Black British History is British History

The reason for this Soho Loop walk was to find this steel sculpture by Luke Perry called 'Black British History is British History'. It was unveiled in 2023. Was also designed by artist Canaan Brown.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Black%20BH%20is%20BH%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Asylum Bridge

A look at the Asylum Bridge. Originally I would have walked past it, but I went up onto it to see if it was open (Google Maps said it was closed, I later tried to get Google Maps to change it). Anyway I ended up exiting the Soho Loop here into Norman Street Park.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Asylum%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Bridge

The view from the Asylum Bridge to the Winson Green Bridge. Was so close to the end of the Soho Loop. That bridge ahead carries another section of Winson Green Road. So will need to go back in future to complete the section to Winson Green Junction.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Asylum%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Norman Street Park

There was an Asylum Bridge steel sculpture near the bridge in Norman Street Park. Also this gateway, and a street art wall. Ended up leaving here for the 11A bus stop on Aberdeen Street (not far from City Hospital).

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Norman%20St%20park%2023072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Nearby bus routes include the 11A, 11C, 82 and 87.

Appears to be in walking distance of Jewellery Quarter Station (trains) or Winson Green Outer Circle Tram Stop or Soho Benson Road Tram Stop (trams).

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

Walk up the Tame Valley Canal from Tame Bridge Parkway towards Great Barr

I got the train to Tame Bridge Parkway Station in Sandwell, and had a walk in the hot weather along part of the Tame Valley Canal. This bit goes near the M5 and M6 motorways. I got off at the Newton Road Bridge in Great Barr (then tried to make my way to Hamstead for the next train to Birmingham). Was probably too hot and humid to do the walk.

After arriving at Tame Bridge Parkway Station on Saturday 24th June 2023, left the station via the entrance / exit on the Walsall Road, then headed onto Navigation Lane, to get onto the Tame Valley Canal.

 

Stonecross Bridge

The Stonecross Bridge, also called Friar Park Bridge or the Walsall Road Bridge. I did not walk in that direction, as was heading to a couple of aqueducts nearby.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Tame%20Bridge%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Navigation Lane Aqueduct

This aqueduct crosses over Navigation Lane, and is Grade II listed. Was built 1841-44.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Tame%20Bridge%2024062023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Grand Junction Aqueduct

This aqueduct is near Tame Bridge Parkway Station (opened in 1990). Was built over the Grand Junction Railway (now part of the Birmingham New Street via Perry Barr to Walsall line). Grade II listed, it opened in 1844. There is good views of the station from up here, as well as to the Bescot Yard, Bescot Stadium and The RAC building near the M6 motorway.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Grand%20Junction%20Aqueduct%20TVC%2024062023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Motorway Aqueduct

The next aqueduct crosses over the M5 motorway, to the north west, with it's junction with the M6. The River Tame is also near here, but didn't see it.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Aqueduct%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

River Tame Aqueduct

One more aqueduct, this one crosses over the River Tame. Only had views of the M6 heading in this direction, or the Birmingham skyline and nearby tower blocks.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20aqueduct%20RT%2024062023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Grey Heron

On the section of the Tame Valley Canal beyond the first M5 crossing, saw several grey herons.

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Rushall Junction

At this point on the Tame Valley Canal, is Rushall Junction where it joins onto the Rushall Canal. The Rushall Junction Bridge on the left.

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Rushall Canal

The start of the Rushall Canal from the Rushall Junction Bridge on the Tame Valley Canal. Bridge in front carries the M6 motorway. Catshill Junction is about 8 miles and 9 locks away on this canal.

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Brickfields Bridge

At this point, the towpath switches sides at the Brickfields Bridge. Behind is a pair of M5 motorway bridges, which go from the south west to north east, and join onto the M6. This footbridge is Grade II listed and dates to 1844.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Link Road Bridge 1

The first M5 link bridge can be seen from the Brickfields Bridge as you cross it, or as you walk or cycle under it. This is for traffic heading to the end of the M5 and onto the M6 going east.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Link Road Bridge 2

The second M5 link bridge. Seen after walking under it. This is for traffic leaving the M6 and heading onto the M5 motorway, heading south west.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brickfields Turnover Bridge

One more Victorian footbridge. Grade II listed, it dates to 1844. Formerly a road bridge apparently. Not sure where it went, but was a man fishing on the other side, and someone with their dog. The Brickfields Turnover Bridge probably links to nearby Chatsworth Avenue.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Newton%20Rd%2024062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Newton Road Bridge

A very high (compared to the canal) road bridge on Newton Road in Great Barr. I took my exit here. Was very hot and sweaty by this point.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Newton%20Rd%2024062023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Could of continued to Hamstead and Perry Barr, but left at Great Barr, then tried to get to Hamstead on foot. But at one point caught a no 16 bus to the Scott Arms in Great Barr, before getting another 16 (probably the same one) to Hamstead Station.

 

In future, maybe best to do these canal walks in cooler weather. It was just too hot and warm. Plus there was the usual illegal off-road motorbikes I encountered on the canal. They were also on a path in a field that lead to Sandwell Valley.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown