Cannock Extension Canal
You might not believe that the Birmingham Canal Navigations can offer rural cruising - but the Cannock Extension Canal is proof.
Although a lesser used canal, the Cannock Extension - situated at the very north of the Birmingham system - offers an intriguing short diversion off the Wyrley & Essington, through heathland with colliery workings along the way and boatyards at its terminus.
Today's canal extends for almost two miles from Pelsall Common to the A5 road, which has cut off the former route to Hednesford Basins and the Hatherton Branch. When the Hatherton Canal is fully restored, the Cannock Extension will once again become part of an important through-route from the industry of Birmingham to the rural Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
One of the country's largest populations of the protected Floating Water Plantain can be found in the canal, which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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