Waterways Walks: The Titford Canal

An interesting if lesser-known component of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, the Titford Canal might reach a dead end but it is certainly worthy of exploration. Rising from grim Oldbury Junction up through a flight of six locks, it ultimately terminates at Titford Pools beneath the M5 motorway. If that brief description hasn't whetted your appetite, let's see if this Waterways Walk report does the trick...

- Lock 6 near Tat Bank Bridge -

It's Saturday 4th February 2023 as I set out from Sandwell & Dudley Station on an overcast but relatively mild morning. Broadwell Road has me bypassing Oldbury town centre as I home straight in on the waterways, joining the Old Main Line at Stone Street then swiftly connecting onto the Titford Branch at the ever-offputting Oldbury Junction. As concrete monstrosities go, I'm becoming surprisingly fond of this location with its peculiar aura buried in the bowels of the M5 carriageway. I've covered the canals here before so I know what to expect and soon get to grips with Oldbury Bottom Lock (No. 6) on the approach towards Tat Bank Bridge.

- Titford Pumphouse -

The Titford Canal was originally constructed in the mid-1830s and acted as a feeder for the BCN Smethwick summit; indeed, it remains the highest point on the Midlands canal network, reaching a height of 511 feet above sea level in places. There are six locks in total on a flight collectively known as 'The Crow' in reference to a former owner of a once-nearby chemical works. Oldbury Top Lock is found adjacent to Titford Pumphouse, a Grade II-listed structure which has been operational since the 1850s and still functions as a pump today, although it also serves as the headquarters and meeting place of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society. The pumphouse guards the junction with what remains of the Tat Bank Branch, an offshoot which is no longer navigable and does not have any towpath access. 

- Jarvis Bridge -

Beyond the pumphouse, I update myself on the situation as regards the increasingly-derelict Langley Maltings (still very much at risk after suffering serious fire damage in 2009) and then confirm that the Bridge pub has been replaced by a modern apartment block. The canal arcs around to Uncle Ben's Bridge at the lower end of Langley High Street then effectively divides into two from Jarvis Bridge at Wolverhampton Road. One spur bears right in the direction of Birchfield Lane whereas the other continues straight on towards Titford Lane and Whiteheath. I take the latter option as a team of Canal & River Trust volunteers busy themselves with extracting rubbish out of the water using rods, nets, magnets and much dexterity! 

- Titford Pools with M5 accompaniment -

In total the Titford Canal is around 1.2 miles in length with Titford Pools being the reward for anyone who covers the full distance. I won't pretend it's the prettiest of locations but there is something curiously fascinating about having a motorway unceremoniously straddling a small reservoir. Historically the two terminal spokes would have become the Portway Branch and the Causeway Green Branch respectively, although both links were abandoned from 1954 onwards. I therefore pick out a footpath through soggy open spaces to emerge onto Titford Lane and thence select Titford Road ready for a look around Langley.

- Solvay Solutions -

Langley is an area I've often found to be photographically productive and the chance to add to my archives is one I will relish. The local primary school is a fine target with vintage Sandwell Council signage while the Solvay Solutions site off Trinity Street has a particularly impressive security lodge (the factory is noted for the production of phosphorus-based chemicals). I've reached that point of proceedings where I'm just about ready for a pint although the Coal Shed - previously known as the Model - doesn't claim my custom on this occasion.

- The Crosswells Inn -

That's because I've got my eye on the Crosswells Inn, invitingly perched next to the village clock at the top of Langley High Street. They're gearing up for the start of the Six Nations rugby tournament (hence the England flags) and I happily settle in the front bar supping Enville Ale and Adnams' Ghost Ship while the giggling strains of a kiddies birthday party emanate from the function room. Langley High Street has lost some of its old-fashioned appeal due to an influx of takeaways although there some examples of traditional painted signwriting e.g. Premier Cars and Elaine's Discount Stores. Finally, I round off this Titford Tour at Causeway Green's Old Dispensary micropub, polishing off a hefty chunk of pork pie and an excellent pint of Oakham Inferno - cheers!