Gower Branch Canal
The Gower Branch Canal is a half-mile canal at Tividale in Staffordshire, linking Albion Junction on the Birmingham Level (453 feet above sea) of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, and Bradeshall Junction on the BCN's older Wolverhampton (473 ft) level, via three locks, the Brades Locks, at the Southern, Bradeshall end.
It has a towpath on its eastern side and is crossed by only one road, the A457, just north of the middle lock. The branch is suitable for narrowboats of up to 70 foot length and 7 foot beam.
It facilitated travel between the Netherton Tunnel Branch Canal and the BCN Old Main Line, without the need for a long detour to Tipton or Smethwick and back.
History
The branch was authorised by the Birmingham Canal Act of 1768 but was not completed until 1836.
Features
- Albion Junction: 52°31’4"N, 2°1’45"W; SO981911 (BCN New Main Line (Island Line))
- Mid point: 52°30’51"N, 2°1’52"W; SO978907
- Single lock: 52°30’46"N, 2°1’55"W; SO978905
- A457 bridge: 52°30’41"N, 2°1’58"W; SO977904 (Dudley Road East)
- Staircase lock: 52°30’40"N, 2°1’59"W; SO977904
- Bradeshall Junction: 52°30’38"N, 2°2’0"W; SO978903 (BCN Old Main Line)
References
- Perrott,David; Mosse,Jonathan (2006). Nicholson Waterways Guide 3 - Birmingham & the Heart of England. Collins. ISBN 978-0-00-721111-1.
Outside links
| The Birmingham Canal Navigations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Navigable: |
BCN Main Line • Birmingham and Fazeley Canal • Bumble Hole Branch Canal • Cannock Extension Canal • Digbeth Branch Canal • Dudley Canal • Engine Arm • Gower Branch Canal • Icknield Port Loop • Netherton Tunnel Branch Canal • Rushall Canal • Soho Loop • Spon Lane Locks Branch • Tame Valley Canal • Titford Canal • Walsall Canal • Wednesbury Oak Loop • Wednesbury Old Canal • Wyrley and Essington Canal | |
| Unnavigable: |
Anson Branch • Bentley Canal • Bradley Branch • Lichfield Canal • Ridgacre Branch • Tipton Green and Toll End Canals | |