Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Many of the loops of the old line have since been cut off or filled in, but the section
between Tipton and Smethwick remains, and is a contour canal with more features of interest
than are found along the more efficient New Main Line. The old line divides from the new at
Tipton Factory Junction, just a stone's throw from the top lock on the New Main Line.
Tipton Green has been pleasantly landscaped to make the most of the canal, with assorted
new housing standing around the Fountain Inn. This was formerly the home of 19th century
canalman and prize fighter William Perry, known as the Tipton Slasher, and his statue stands
on the green. The Malthouse Stables at Tipton have been restored as an outdoor activity
centre. From Tipton Junction there is a spur - the Dudley Canal No 1 Line - which leads to
the Black Country Museum and the Dudley Tunnel.
The Malthouse Stables centre at Tipton Factory Junction. Only the two-storey part is original
.
The houses, with their gardens hiding behind greater reedmace, give way to old brick
factories. The view opens out at Burnt Tree with new housing around a marina, and the Siluri-
an limestone ridge behind it. The canal is wider here as it approaches Dudley Port. A con-
tainer yard on the left is an update of the area's former purpose.
The canal crosses the Netherton Tunnel Branch Canal on an aqueduct and it is worth look-
ing over the parapet at the imposing cutting leading to the mouth of this 3km long tunnel.
At Brades Hall Junction there are two arches on the left, the first abandoned but the second
leading past an ivy-covered wall to the first of the Brades Locks on the Gower Branch Canal.
This drops down as a midway connection to the New Main Line. Once again it is an area of
industry, with factories alongside the canal.
