No.18 Canal City

3 thoughts on “No.18 Canal City”

1. 

   Jakob Whitfield

   2 May 2023 at 3:25 pm

   A pleasant loop to do on a spring day, showing up some unexpectedly rural-feeling bits of the West Midlands conurbation (Sutton Park, the lanes after Barr Beacon, and Sandwell Valley Country Park), as well as the brutalist sublime of the *underside* of Spaghetti Junction (the true connoisseur’s choice!).

   I started this on Chapel Lane at about km 24, as I live nearby. If starting at the top of the loop like this, consider going clockwise instead, as it gets Barr Beacon and the climb over Sutton Park out of the way at the beginning…

   If doing the ride in bluebell season, Merrion’s Wood nature reserve (gate on the right at about km 24 on the route) has lovely carpets of the flowers that are worth the 2-minute detour – apparently one of the better places to see them in the West Mids. Also, at about km 33 on Roebuck Street in West Bromwich, the ride takes you past the front door of the legendary Desi Pub The Vine; if by this point a pint and a curry (or a snack and a soft drink, depending) seem like a good idea, I heartily commend it to you.

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2. 

   Matt Christie

   11 September 2023 at 3:20 pm

   I really enjoyed this, the canals in the city centre are amazing, it’s incredible they’re untouched for 100 years when all around them is so modern. Just be aware canal riding takes more out of you due to the bumpy surfaces and many gates/chicanes to get around, so attempting both 18 & 19 on the hottest day of the year is a lot 🙂 Also beware of broken glass, it’s everywhere!

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3. 

   Mr P Daniel

   1 October 2023 at 10:15 am

   An intriguing mix of landscapes, from gentrified urban through grimy urban and suburban to pleasantly rural. All new to me. The best bits were the buzz and new-mets-old interest of the redeveloped canal-side sections in central Birmingham, the weirdness of passing under Spaghetti Junction, and the purple heather (September) and open feel of Sutton Park’s heathland. Some of the grittier urban sections had me feeling a bit isolated/vulnerable on my own. No trouble, but might not suit nervous solo cyclists, especially females. A pity to see the viewpoint at Barr Beacon so blighted by litter and vandalism. Was glad of 35mm tyres. Easily accessible from New Street Station. My take on the route here: https://www.strava.com/activities/9822459803
   A very memorable outing, thank you Jack.

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