Route Developer: Sarah Collen

[1] Turn left along George Road and walk to the junction with Islington Row. This is a busy main road, so turn left and cross at the pedestrian crossing before turning right to continue along to Bath Row. Turn left into Bath Row and walk along, past the garage, to Bishopsgate Street. Cross over Bishopsgate Street and go straight ahead through the gap in the wall, following the sign saying ‘Worcester and Birmingham Canal’ walk. Turn left, down the shallow flight of steps, to reach the canal.

[2] Turn right at the bottom and head along the towpath, under bridge 87, until you reach the Edgbaston Tunnel. This is 96 metres long and is well lit, with a barrier running the full length between the towpath and the water. Be careful though as the path surface is a little uneven in the tunnel.

(A)The Edgbaston Tunnel runs beneath Church Street and is actually two tunnels – the canal flows through one and the Cross City railway line runs through the other. If you walk through the tunnel during a very cold winter you can see large icicles hanging from the ceiling.

[3] On the other side of the tunnel continue to follow the path until you reach bridge 84a. Walk under this bridge but then turn right to leave the water’s edge, either going up the steps or the slope. Then turn back over the bridge and bear left towards the sign ‘Maple Bank’, through the small car park. Turn left up the hill and walk up the footpath to the automatic bollard and the ‘Vale Village’ sign.

[4] Turn left into Church Road and cross, using the crossing, to then turn right into Carpenter Road. Walk along Carpenter Road until you come to the junction with Wheeley’s Road and turn left. Follow the road up the hill, past a small group of shops on your right, until you come to the junction with St James’ Road. Turn left into St James’ Road and cross at the bus stop, before turning right back into George Road.