250-Mile Charity Towpath Trek - Seeking advice for Gas Street Basin

[KindnessAmble2026]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of the forum for a bit of a logistical nightmare I've run into.

 

This July, my rescue dog Nina and I are taking on a continuous 250-mile walk along the network to raise money for the Canal & River Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. To make it a proper challenge, we are completely self-funded, sleeping in a tiny tent, and I’m dragging all our gear in a 25kg trolley the entire way.

 

We’ve had some incredible support so far, including a letter of support from The King, and we’re going to be supported by David Johns (Cruising The Cut), Paul and Anthony (Narrowboat Life Unlocked), and Ashley Neal.

 

However, looking at my itinerary, I have hit a massive brick wall on Day 20 (July 20th).

Our route brings us right into the heart of Birmingham, finishing the day at Gas Street Basin. I've realised that rocking up to Brindleyplace on a summer evening with a 25kg trolley and trying to pitch a tent on the block paving amongst the weekend revellers is probably not going to end well!

 

Does anyone have any local knowledge or ideas for a "safe harbour" in or around central Birmingham?

 

Because of the trolley and the dog, we literally just need a secure, quiet patch of ground for one night. I'm not sure if there are any highly secure moorings nearby with a patch of grass, a friendly boat club, or if someone knows a local manager who might take pity on a bloke and his dog for charity.

 

I’m currently trying to beg a local hotel to let us sleep in a corner of their car park, but I would really love to keep the trek rooted on the canal if physically possible.

 

Any advice, contacts, or local knowledge from the Brum boaters would be hugely appreciated!

 

Cheers, 

Mark & Nina

www.surplex.co.uk/donate

Edited May 4 by KindnessAmble2026
Misspelt name.

[gatekrash]

Does it have to be Gas street?

 

If you go round the corner a bit to the top of farmers bridge there is quite a bit of flat grass at the top of Cambrian wharf. 

 

If you look on Google satellite you should be able to see it.

 

It's still central Brum, canal side and only round the corner.

[KindnessAmble2026]

Thanks for the update and info. Is it safe?