A GUIDE TO CYCLING & WALKING AROUND

TELFORD, TITFORD GALTON VALLEY WALK 4. Walking past the Station, continue 1. Walk round to the right of Neptune CYCLE ROUTES AND THE TITANIC along The Old Main Line towards the Health Centre, cross the bridge and face Canals, wildlife, industrial heritage or just The routes described form part of the Summit Tunnel. the canal. Turn right onto the towpath. Walking and cycling is an ideal way to walking in pleasant surroundings, Galton and Black Country Cycle Cross the first footbridge and, facing the appreciate the diversity of Sandwell’s Valley has something to suit all. We’ve 5. Just before the tunnel take the steps Routes. Numerous points of interest can canal, turn left onto The Old Main Line. 14 historic canals and branches. chosen a circular route featuring The Old off to the left leading to a wooded area. be found along their varying landscapes. Main Line and a pleasant woodland area. 2. Follow the towpath downhill, along the The waterside landscape is filled with 6. Follow this path as it doubles back If you are feeling particularly energetic, why scenic Factory Locks. Look out for the reminders of the area’s important Location: Galton Valley, Sandwell between The Old Main Line and The New not cycle more than one route? The map rope markings cut into Wood Street industrial past, such as the magnificent Start/Finish: Main Line. Steps at the end of the path highlights access points and road acce- Bridge and the split bridge at one of the , constructed in 1829 by Galton Valley Heritage Centre rejoin the Old Main Line. sses, but parking may be on road in places. locks, designed to let the towing rope pass , and the Distance: 2 miles/3 km (approx) 7. Turn right and retrace your steps back through and save unhitching the horse. Aqueduct, built to carry the Engine Arm Duration: 45 mins (approx) to the heritage centre. After passing a picnic area to the left, TO RYDER GREEN LOCKS Canal above The New Main Line 20 feet Type: Circular cross a small bridge and continue along Distance: 7.5 miles/12 km (approx) below. Just a few miles away, an Conditions: Hard surfaced/steps Alternatively, walk down the steps and the canal, looking out for the boat yard on Duration: 1 hour 15 min (approx) abundance of wildlife flourishes in the in places/some areas can be rough explore The New Main Line. A stroll to the left. Access point: Ray Hall Lane, Grove Vale. tranquil waters of the Titford Pool and or muddy the west will lead you to Galton Bridge, Following Cycle Route 5, access and the Ridgeacre Branch bring a diversity Access point: the largest single span bridge at the time 3. Continue along the towpath, over cross the Tame Valley and continue, turn- of plant and animal species right into the Brasshouse Lane, of its creation. Look out for a variety of several more bridges. Notice the railway ing left at Ocker Hill. This route features an heart of the town. Car parking: Galton Valley Heritage wild flowers, attracting birds and butter- line to your left; many of the first railways unusual aqueduct; one of the few examples Centre, Brasshouse Lane flies you wouldn’t expect to find here. were built following established canal This handy guide is a brief introduction to of a canal crossing over a railway. routes. some of the great walks and cycle routes 1. We recommend you start your walk at NEPTUNE WALK just waiting to be discovered in Sandwell. Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre – 4. When you reach Port Junction, DUDLEY PORT CIRCULAR a former public house. The Centre offers The Neptune is a circular 4 mile walk walk across both of the iron footbridges Distance: 8.8 miles/14 km (approx) visitors the opportunity to travel back into along the quiet New Main Line, and and proceed to your left along the Duration: 1 hour 15 min (approx) the past and enjoy an introduction to the Old Main Line Canals. It also makes an Netherton Branch. Access point: canals of the area. excellent cycle route, and finishes next Owen Street, , Sandwell 5. Follow the sloped access on the right to a pub. Car Parking: Neptune Health Park, 2. Take a right turn out of the centre and up to Aqueduct and turn right. Tipton, access The New Main Line via walk along, following the brown sign for Location: Continue along the towpath of The Old Neptune Health Park, Tipton, Neptune Walk instructions. Smethwick Pumping Station onto the Sandwell Main Line. towpath of The Old Main Line. Start/Finish: Neptune Health Park Follow The Gower Branch, then turn right 6. After the Tipton Green Bridge, climb Distance: 4 miles/6.5km (approx) back onto The Old Main Line. For a more 3. The pumping station, an example the steps onto the road, turn left onto Duration: 1 hour 20 mins (approx) challenging route, continue along The of Victorian engineering was originally Beehive Walk and walk under Owen Type: Circular New Main Line and cross at Bromford opened in 1892 and used to pump Street Bridge. Conditions: Hard surfaced/flat/using Junction. Take the ramp access to The water from the bottom level of the canal existing towpaths 7. Double back over the bridge and return Old Main Line and double back, crossing to the top in the days of heavy boat Access point: Owen Street, Tipton to the Neptune car park. Blakeley Hall Bridge. Alternatively follow traffic. You can arrange a visit at the Car parking: Neptune Health Park The New Main Line into Birmingham City Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre. Centre.

Funded by AWM & ERDF as part of the Black Country Canals Tourism Strategy. We would also like to thank Sandwell MBC for their input into this project. WHERE TO GO CYCLING & WALKING AROUND THE SANDWELL AREA

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M6 A4030 ServicesServices T 0121 200 7400 B4173 E [email protected] NationalNational BWBW SShophop SealifeSealife CentreCentre atat thethe StopStop www.britishwaterways.co.uk A459 A4040 www.waterscape.com B4125 TheThe MMailboxailbox

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material A4100 with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf BlackheathBlackheath A38 of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © A41 Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes 23 A456 Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil B4129 proceedings. , 100019843, 2004. A4040