Boating along the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line

The Old Main Line, which follows the contours of the land between Birmingham and Sandwell, is undeniably a more interesting cruise than the straight course of the New Main Line, which was built for efficiency of transport alone.

The 'Old' may not be scenic in the traditional sense, but there are enough diversions on offer - the Titford Canal, the Engine Arm, the Black Country Living Museum - to make for an engaging day's boating. At several points you can see the New Main Line in the cutting below, and you cross both this and the Netherton Tunnel Branch on aqueducts.

Around Oldbury, the ever-quiet canal flows under the roaring chaos of the M5 motorway's elevated section. The canal here has been improved as the payback for a temporary closure while structural work was carried out above. Famous carrying firm Thomas Clayton (Oldbury) was based here, on a site which still has a small boatyard in operation.

Secure moorings can be found at the Black Country Living Museum, near the northern end of the Old Main Line.

Bridge & lock opening times

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