Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
Daw End Branch
Distance
13km from Wyrley & Essington Canal to Tame Valley Canal
Highlights
Beacon Regional Park
Hayhead Nature Trail
Navigation Authority
Canal & River Trust
OS 1:50,000 Sheet
139 Birmingham & Wolverhampton
Also known as the Hay Head Branch, the Daw End Branch of the Wyrley & Essington Canal
was cut in 1800 as a narrow contour canal to take out limestone. The wandering route around
Aldridge allowed it to be lock-free.
The branch leaves the Wyrley & Essington main line at Catshill Junction on the edge of
Brownhills. Narrows were a toll control point.
Clayhanger Bridge is a modern structure near the former Clayhanger Wharf. Pools at Clay-
hanger have marsh orchids while the canal has yellow irises and yellow lilies, among which
coots dabble. The Beacon Regional Park follows through what had been part of Cannock
Forest.
Black Cock Bridge crosses by the site of Black Cock Wharf, a single-lane bridge with uni-
form slopes up to a sharp summit, a bit like driving over the roof of a house. It is a blind ap-
proach for drivers so there is constant warning hooting.
