Heartland Posted June 23, 2019 Report Share Posted June 23, 2019 (edited) I have long advocated walking BCN towpaths and with the approach of BCN 250 in October, there is much of the original route that can be walked. The Flapper- Farmers Bridge Sheepcote Bridge- Ladywood Junction- the original Sandy Turn came close to the bridge before turning back to the Oozells. This area frequently grounded boats and was straightened into the present line to the Oozells Ladywood Junction to Icknield Port Loop- this part was straightened and widened by Telford, yet the course now is close to the original route The Icknield Port Loop is presently not walkable, but parts are accessible. Originally there was a towpath on the inside of the loop throughout Eyre Street Junction via the Winson Green Loop to New Main Line The Cape Arm is not presently walkable The route through Avery factory is not walkable There were sections from the Avery Soho Works that crossed and recrossed the Telford improved route Old Smethwick Locks are on the original route- these are now filled in but walking along the towpath is close to the original. There were 6 locks up at this stage with the top three removed 1788-1791- the original towpath being on the north and then south of the present cutting. 3 locks down from the summit were also removed. From Spon Lane to Spon Lane Locks the canal was diverted to pass under the M5, but Spon Lane Locks are on the original route From the bottom of Spon Lane to Puddling Green the canal was widened and straighted creating the Izons Loop near Pudding Green From Pudding Green to Ryders Green is essentially the original line, but sections were straightened with surplus land sold off by the BCN From Ryders Green to the Black Country Route road is another part of the original. There is another section by the junction with the now isolated Ridgeacre Canal From there it is a case of looking for canal remains on the closed route through Golds Hill and across Harvills Hawthorn where the oriignal canal terminated to serve the mines at Golds Hill Edited June 23, 2019 by Heartland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gastoon Posted July 28, 2019 Report Share Posted July 28, 2019 wow looks good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartland Posted July 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 Much of the route has an upgraded path for the cyclists, but is worth considering. Much of the heritage structure have now gone, but it is still worth a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Featured Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now