Routes 2019 P2H The plan for the day is to paddle into the centre of from multiple start points to meet up at Brindley Place (Old Turn Junction) around 1.30pm. Following some fun and games and a lunch break we can paddle the short distance to (adjacent to Reservoir) where car parking is available at and Rivers Trust Yard, Icknield Port Road B16 0AA.

Route 1 and 2 – From Tipton Factory Junction (via Mainline Canal) Contact: Sarah Witheridge Phone: 01922 424210

Suggested start time: 9.00am Start: Tipton Factory Junction (park at Malthouse Stables)Hurst Road, DY4 9AB. Malthouse Stable, run by Sandwell Council is situated between the Barge and Barrel Public house and the Pie Factory on Hurst Road. Ian Clews, Senior Youth Officer of Malthouse Stables Outdoor Activity Centre will also be participating and is able to offer a limited shuttle service.

Distance: 9 miles Locks: 3 Duration: 4-5 hours

Route 3 – From Shirley Drawbridge, Drawbridge Road B90 1DD (via Worcester and Birmingham Canal) Contact: Val Morris email: [email protected]

Suggested start time: 8.30am Start: Shirley Drawbridge, Drawbridge Road (park near to Wake Green Amateur Football Club) B90 1DD. As you approach the canal from the car park you’ll see the drawbridge, the direction of travel is to the right as you put on from the car park. Distance: 9.5 miles Locks: 0 Tunnel: 1 (322m) Duration: 4-5 hours

Nb There are no toilet facilities at this start point.

Route 4 – Icknield Port B16 0AA (via Mainline Canal) Contact: John Heath email: [email protected]

Start: Yard, Icknield Port Road B16 0AA. The yard is situated next to the Centennial Centre near to the bridge over Icknield Port Road. Distance: 1.5 miles Locks: 0 Duration: 30- 45mins

Route 5-The Birmingham Canal, BCN via Old Main Line/New Main Line.

Contact Mark Harding Tel: 07766 925274

 Start: Canal bridge at the junction of Severn Stars Road and Park Lane, Oldbury B69 4 LH Suggested start time:10.30am

Distance: 5 miles Locks: 0 Tunnel: 1 (122m) Duration: 3•3.5 hours

Access to the canal is at the junction of Severn Stars Road and Park Lane Oldbury, adjacent to the Granada Trading Estate B69 4LH. There is plenty of on street parking on Severn Stars Road. Paddle away from Oldbury town centre and after a few hundred yards you are underneath the M5 motorway. Continue on the Old Main Line to the Stewart Aqueduct where the M5 motorway above finally leaves us. Here there is a short downhill portage to the New Main Line canal. Paddle away from the motorway bridge via the Galton Valley towards Birmingham City Centre.

Nb. There are no toilet facilities at this start point.

Cautionary Note. Paddlers will need to navigate the 122m Galton Tunnel. This tunnel is listed on CRT’s canal tunnels open canoes and other small craft. The CRT’s conditions for use of canal tunnels less than 400m are as follows:

• All paddlers are to have a forward facing white light such as a head torch. • Paddle in groups of 3 or more.

• A whistle attached to your BA. Galton tunnel is a short tunnel with a direct line of sight to the far portal. Paddlers are advised to check for oncoming traffic before committing to the tunnel.