Monday 8 May 2017

Walking the waterways (9) : Digbeth Branch Canal

The Digbeth Branch Canal, built in 1799, is a short stretch of waterway that links the Grand Union Canal (at Bordesley Junction) to the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal (at Aston Junction) and hence enables boats on the Grand Union to go through into the city centre.

Although only 1 and 1/2 miles long the canal is certainly not lacking for features. It has 2 tunnels, the Ashted and Curzon Street tunnels - the latter carries several of the approach railway lines into Birmingham New Street over the canal.

There are also a number of locks and bridges, plus a wharf and a basin! Its not the most scenic of canal walks it has to be said.
Aston Junction


Inside Ashted Tunnel