Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Walsall Canal
Distance
11km from Wednesbury Old Canal to Walsall
Highlights
Ryders Green Flight
Walsall Public Wharf and the New Art Gallery
Jerome K Jerome Birthplace Museum
Navigation Authority
Canal & River Trust
Canal Society
Birmingham Canal Navigations Society
OS 1:50,000 Sheet
139 Birmingham & Wolverhampton
The Walsall Canal links the Wednesbury Old Canal at West Bromwich with Walsall in the
West Midlands. Construction began in 1786, although the centre of Walsall was not reached
until 1799, after this relatively short and straightforward canal had curved its way round Wed-
nesbury.
The canal has eight locks, all of which come immediately at the Ryders Green Flight. At
the southern end the waterway leaves the Wednesbury Old Canal and passes the Eight Locks
public house by the top lock.
This canal is more free of weeds than are some others. The marshy area to the right by the
bottom lock is predominantly greater reedmace but toadflax gets a grip, with its pale yellow
flowers, where dry ground is available. Opposite is the point where the Haines Branch entered.
