Looking for Advise and Suggestion for the Black Country Ring

[TerryL]

Quite a few years ago my husband I hired a narrowboat for a short break and had a great time.  We always intended to do it again sometime and that time is finally going to be next summer.  Looking at the canal guides back when we had our short break, I thought that doing the Black Country Ring would a really nice mix of urban and rural and allow plenty of sightseeing along the way.  We coming from the US and want to combine boating with some sightseeing, so doing the BCR over two weeks seemed like a good idea. 

We didn't decide to take trip until September and it took me a couple of weeks to realize that it was late to be booking for June 2025.  So now we are picking up the boat at Alvechurch. I got the boat and dates that I wanted, but not the location.  After I booked I realized that I am hiring on top of a hill and that to go anywhere will mean quite a few locks to go down and then back up to return the boat.  I liked doing locks before, so hopefully it won't be too much of problem.

 

My first question is should I reconsider the Black Country Ring?  I've watched several vlogs about cruising into and out of Birmingham and while it's not the most attractive, it is historical - something that we don't have where I live.

Assuming that I stick with the original plan of the BCR, I'm thinking that the first night we would stop at Selly Oak.  This would give us a chance to stock up on provisions and anything we didn't bring from the US.  This was recently mentioned as an acceptable mooring on the topic of Mooring in Birmingham, is that still the case?  And where are the moorings? I looked the CR&T page on them and they seem to be south of the Sainsbury's.  Are there also mooring past the Sainsbury's?

 

 

[magpie patrick]

Alvechurch is on the Birmingham level, so doing the Black Country Ring from there doesn't involve doing any more locks than starting on the ring itself. Go straight to central Birmingham and either go down Farmers Bridge Locks or follow the main line to Wolverhampton 

 

Edited to add - mooring in Central Birmingham is okay albeit sometimes a bit noisy if you're in Gas Street Basin. 

[Stroudwater1]

Selly Oak has  limited moorings on the non towpath side of the canal.  You maybe lucky but the mooring can only accommodate 3 boats at a push, two 70 footers. It’s probably best to push on into Gas Street basin or a bit further past Gas Street to moor. I can’t remember if mooring is possible the towpath side  South of Sainsbury’s. I wouldn’t stay overnight unless you can get the non towpath moorings. 
 

June means the possibility of late evening cruising so it should be fine to reach central Birmingham anyway on your first night. Theres a small Tesco express just near the Mailbox and Sainsbury’s local near to Broadstreet tunnel/ Black Sabbath bridge. 
 

It’s a lovely cruise in from Alvechurch into Birmingham, rural for much of the way with Wast Hill tunnel too. 

[Jonny P]

As above, no need to rethink if the Black Country ring is what you want to do. For the avoidance of doubt folk here will take the Black Country ring to be Birmingham - Wolverhampton - Great Haywood (Stafford) - Fradley (Lichfield) - Fazeley (Tamworth) - Birmingham. Hence as Patrick says you’ll need to access the ring in Birmingham, which is four hours cruising from Alvechurch.

 

You will have lots of time since as the popular cruising rings go it’s relatively short and easily completed in one week.

 

Alvechurch is a popular hire base for the Stourport Ring, which would be another option. That’s Alvechurch - Birmingham - Stourbridge - Stourport - Worcester - Alvechurch. Lots of variety on that but also river cruising which appeals to some and puts others off.

 

Alvechurch is also suitable for a variation of the Warwickshire ring given you have two weeks. That’s my personal favourite of the main cruising rings but all three have a mix of urban and rural, mostly because they all go though Birmingham.

 

There are mooring bollards just south of the road bridge at Selly Oak and also around the new winding hole to the north of the bridge. There are usually one or two liveaboard boats there. Both locations are very close to Sainsbury’s. If your handover time allows I’d suggest you go into central Birmingham for the first night, and keep Selly Oak as a back up.

[TerryL]

Thanks for the advise.  I ruled out the Stourport ring because we did part of it on our short break.  My husband love the river, but going through the Stourport marina was his least favorite part of the trip.  Wind and tight corners make for a very tense novice boater.  Warwickshire ring is a possibility.  We've done some of the sightseeing on that ring, but everything is different by boat.  Yes, by Black Country Ring I mean Birmingham - Wolverhampton - Great Haywood (Stafford) - Fradley (Lichfield) - Fazeley (Tamworth) - Birmingham.  Or perhaps the other way around - another thing that I would like advise on. 

 

Our previous experience on handover makes me very skeptical about getting off early.  Also we will be getting the boat on Saturday and I'm concerned about finding a mooring spot if we're late getting into Birmingham.     

[Jonny P]

You’re unlikely to find much problem mooring in central Birmingham. There is a lot of mooring space.

 

It doesn’t really matter which way you go round the ring. Probably the most important thing is to plan the likely overnight mooring on the day after and the day before Birmingham as good moorings are limited on the approaches.

 

With the time you have available it would seem a shame to not stop in Birmingham in at least one direction. 

[Rob-M]

Mooring in Birmingham is unlikely to be a problem, there are plenty of options and the last few years it has been pretty quiet when we have been there.  Even leaving Alvechurch at 4pm I would still head to Birmingham.

[Ken X]

Definitely no need to worry about mooring in Gas Street, we have always found somewhere to tie up without too much difficulty.  Chat to other boaters if it's getting a bit fraught.  Someone will invariably help out.

 

As to direction, we like our locks early in the day if possible so would go down Farmers and back up Wolverhampton but opinions may vary. 🙂

[TerryL]

I definitely plan to overnight in Birmingham and do some sightseeing.  My choices for the first night are either stop in Selly Oak to shop and overnight there or go on to Birmingham and spend two nights there.  Then on Day 3 Monday we would head down Farmers locks. So I'm trying to decide where to stop the first night. 

The advantage to Selly Oak is that it would be good, convenient shopping which is also sort of a tourist attraction to those of from overseas. It would also be less rushed if we get off to a late start.  This down side is - Is this an okay place to overnight on a Saturday night? 

The good mooring is the main advantage to going on into Birmingham.  I had thought about mooring close to the Sea Life center as it would be more convenient to start Farmers nice and early, but I suppose we could moor at Gas Street the first night and move to the Sea Life center for the second night. 

Our previous hiring experience had us leaving at almost 5 pm, so that's why I'm concerned about planning to much for the first day.  Of course if that happens this time we will probably just stop in Hopwood.

 

[Jonny P]

Personally I wouldn’t stop in Selly Oak if I could sensibly make it to Birmingham. Before it was re-developed a few years ago I’d wager you’d have got there and not wanted to stop.

 

Hopwood is fine but is only an hour at most from Alvechurch.

 

I prefer to moor at Sheepcote Street or in the Oozells loop rather than Holliday Street/Gas Street when in Birmingham. Technically though it’s past the junction for Farmer’s Bridge locks. That’s not a big problem because you can reverse ot if you don’t fancy that turn either at Monument Lane basin or go for a circuit of the Icknield Port loop (which is surprisingly interesting) and head back into Birmingham. 
 

On the day when you descend Farmers Bridge locks you’ll likely either be looking to moor at Star City (secure but unlovely) or carry on to below Minworth locks).

Edited November 15 by Jonny P

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

Sounds like you know what you’re doing,

I’d agree if time’s against you then overnight at Selly Oak (or even Hopwood). 
Selly Oak is only 2hr from Brum. 
Selly Oak is great for a big shop at the Sainsbury but other than that I’m not sure if there’s owt else there that’d be much interest for you 🤷‍♀️

 

we had someone asking similar questions last year and the consensus was head for Brum. 
Go direct to Brum. 
 

Alvechurch to Brum is 4hr at a good steady pace. 
 

Wherever you moor in Birmingham you’ll be safe and you’ll never be far from Farmers Bridge, 

so don’t worry about any of that 👍

[Rob-M]

I wouldn't stop overnight in Selly Oak, I would get in to Birmingham, all the mooring in Birmingham is closed so no real reason to move if staying two nights.  I would aim for a spot just past the sea life then either reverse back to head down to Farmers or carry on and turn at monument road basin, about 10 mins away.  As someone else said there is a small Tesco and Sainsbury's close by the canal or walk down past New Street station and there is a large Tesco and M&S food hall.

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

8 minutes ago, Jonny P said:

On the day when you descend Farmers Bridge locks you’ll likely either be looking to moor at Star City (secure but unlovely) or carry on to below Minworth locks).

ah, now then, I’d say IF they got some experience and good crew they’d get to the Dog and Doublet on the Curdworth Flight. 
8 o’clock start would see them there for tea time 🤷‍♀️

 

otherwise I now tend to stop at Curdworth Tunnel. 
I used to stop at the Boat but have gone off it and prefer the tunnel as an over nighter,

 

3 minutes ago, Rob-M said:

I wouldn't stop overnight in Selly Oak,

no it’s not a pretty spot but it is safe if it’s what has to be,

 

I think we have all always agreed steam in into Brum whenever possible. 

[IanD]

2 minutes ago, beerbeerbeerbeerbeer said:

ah, now then, I’d say IF they got some experience and good crew they’d get to the Dog and Doublet on the Curdworth Flight. 
8 o’clock start would see them there for tea time 🤷‍♀️

 

otherwise I now tend to stop at Curdworth Tunnel. 
I used to stop at the Boat but have gone off it and prefer the tunnel as an over nighter,

 

We do the same starting from Farmer's Bridge (or wherever), mooring is fine there and the White Horse nearby is OK for food and beer...

[Jonny P]

25 minutes ago, beerbeerbeerbeerbeer said:

ah, now then, I’d say IF they got some experience and good crew they’d get to the Dog and Doublet on the Curdworth Flight. 
8 o’clock start would see them there for tea time 🤷‍♀️

 

otherwise I now tend to stop at Curdworth Tunnel. 
I used to stop at the Boat but have gone off it and prefer the tunnel as an over nighter,

 

no it’s not a pretty spot but it is safe if it’s what has to be,

 

I think we have all always agreed steam in into Brum whenever possible. 

I pretty much always go to or from central Birmingham to or from Curdworth official visitor mooring but many folk will stop somewhere between there are Minworth bottom lock.

 

With two weeks to the Black Country ring aiming for the Dog & Doublet seems unnecessary.

[Stroudwater1]

Here is the thread referred to. The consensus is definitely head into central Birmingham. That crew did a shortened ring in a short time. 
 

You could see if the hire firm can let you set off early, usually it’s around 2.30-3. It would be rare to leave at 5. Bournville or Selly Oak are second best by some way. If you get past Selly Oak there’s no point in doing anything other than moor in the plentiful and pleasant moorings in central Birmingham. 
 

 

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

5 minutes ago, Jonny P said:

With two weeks to the Black Country ring aiming for the Dog & Doublet seems unnecessary.

 

I think if the weather is good and the locks are with you then it’s quite doable without busting a gut,

a case of: if I’m/we’re making good time let’s keep at it, otherwise we know we can stop at the boat or the tunnel 

 

but having said it, the Dog and Doublet is not even in me top 20 of boozers. Just marks a convenient stopping point. 
..Fazeley as a next stop is a good place 😃

and the Horse Shoes is amongst my top 3 boozers. 
 

a question: on that Black Country Route which is the best Fish and Chip shop?

If we were to advise folk from the U.S. the best chippy on route which would it be?

At the moment mine is the  Victoria Chip Shop at Tipton. Battered chips 👍

 

[Rob-M]

We usually do Farmers Bridge to the Dog and Doublet, have done Tipton to the Dog and Doublet and still arrived in time for food.

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

Well…I’ve left Oxley and had a leisurely breakfast in the Great Western, stopped to have me suit measured and fitted in Tipton, then early doors at the Flapper and still got to the Dog for dinner. 
 

[TerryL]

Okay, so the recommendation is to go into Birmingham if possible.  If there is a delay or bad weather, it would not be totally unsafe to overnight at Selly Oak.

 

So once in Birmingham, does anyone have any recommendations for pubs, restaurants, things to do?  I'll be paying close attention to the candidates for best chippy on the route.

 

I was planning to go from Farmers to Curdworth in a day as most of what I've read didn't recommend stopping sooner.  I would certainly like to hear people's views.  Even if the plan is Curdworth it's good to know what the other options are. 

 

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

17 minutes ago, TerryL said:

So once in Birmingham, does anyone have any recommendations for pubs

where do we start??

what sort of boozer you after?

 

I’ll nominate the Flapper as a starter because it always has a couple of real ales on and good music playing. Proper mix of people and never any trouble. Has a balcony and you can watch the boats. 
 

go Birmingham Art Gallery. Short walk (20min?) from canal. famous for its Pre Raphaelites collection. it’s a must. 

 

 

[agg221]

1 hour ago, beerbeerbeerbeerbeer said:

a question: on that Black Country Route which is the best Fish and Chip shop?

If we were to advise folk from the U.S. the best chippy on route which would it be?

At the moment mine is the  Victoria Chip Shop at Tipton. Battered chips 👍

 

I don't know that one so can't comment, but I do like the chippy at the Black Country Museum, which also makes a handy stop on the route, particularly if you are taking it pretty easy and doing a lot of sightseeing, as it is somewhere I would suggest spending a day (particularly since the OP expressed an interest in the history of the area).

Alec

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

18 minutes ago, agg221 said:

I don't know that one so can't comment, but I do like the chippy at the Black Country Museum, which also makes a handy stop on the route, particularly if you are taking it pretty easy and doing a lot of sightseeing, as it is somewhere I would suggest spending a day (particularly since the OP expressed an interest in the history of the area).

Alec

Yes, good call,

I’d forgot the obvious 👍

 

 

 

[Jonny P]

1 hour ago, beerbeerbeerbeerbeer said:

 

I think if the weather is good and the locks are with you then it’s quite doable without busting a gut,

a case of: if I’m/we’re making good time let’s keep at it, otherwise we know we can stop at the boat or the tunnel 

 

but having said it, the Dog and Doublet is not even in me top 20 of boozers. Just marks a convenient stopping point. 
..Fazeley as a next stop is a good place 😃

and the Horse Shoes is amongst my top 3 boozers. 
 

a question: on that Black Country Route which is the best Fish and Chip shop?

If we were to advise folk from the U.S. the best chippy on route which would it be?

At the moment mine is the  Victoria Chip Shop at Tipton. Battered chips 👍

 

 

Haven’t eaten at the Dog & Doublet since 1983. The only time I called in recent times the kitchen was closed so I carried on to Curdworth in the dark.
 

With two weeks to complete the ring what’s “doable” isn’t really the point. No need to attempt the 35 or however many locks it is from the middle of Birmingham in one day. Birmingham to Curdworth is a full regular day for normal folk.

Hasn’t @Rob-M been on to champion Michael’s chippy at Handsacre yet? Went there recently. It was OK, and better than Handsacre’s canal side pub which only serves uninspiring beer.

 

As for pubs in Birmingham, as someone has said, it really does depend what you want. 

[Rob-M]

4 minutes ago, Jonny P said:

Hasn’t @Rob-M been on to champion Michael’s chippy at Handsacre yet

Went there recently and it was a bit disappointing, wasn't up to the previous good quality.  When going through the Wolverhampton 21 we usually go down to Compton for the chippy.