Boating along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal

Two major flights of locks are the main attraction for the boater.

Farmer's Bridge, at the start of the canal in Birmingham, was once the busiest lock flight in Britain. Gas lighting was installed beside the 14 locks in the 19th century, so that commercial traffic could continue through the night. The flight is no longer so congested, but still retains something of its historic character. Like other flights on Birmingham's once-busy canal network, it is exceptionally well-designed and easy to operate. An experienced crew can clear each lock in under five minutes.

The 11 locks at Curdworth make up a more typical rural flight. Look for the top lock, moved in 2002 to accommodate the new M6 Toll motorway, and for the canalside Dog & Doublet pub where a side-hatch was put in expressly for passing boatmen.

Perhaps not the most scenic of the canals, the Birmingham & Fazeley is nonetheless always busy, in part due to its position in five popular cruising rings.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.