An empty lock at the top of a flight on the Titford Canal

Titford Canal

The Titford Canal climbs, via a lock flight known as ’The Crow’, to the highest point on Birmingham’s Canal Network.

Titford Pools is a wide expanse of water underneath the roar of the M5 elevated motorway, a quirky surprise in the middle of an urban landscape.

This little-known waterway is a dead end, rarely used since the end of commercial traffic. However, it is still a favourite with waterways enthusiasts, seeking out an unusual destination.

Boating the Titford Canal

All you need to know about boating the Titford Canal

Walking routes near the Titford Canal

Birmingham canal walk, Livery Street to the Mailbox
Enjoy this 1 mile walk through Birmingham city centre, taking in Farmer's Bridge Locks, Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin.
Birmingham canal walk, Livery Street to the Mailbox
Enjoy this 1 mile walk through Birmingham city centre, taking in Farmer's Bridge Locks, Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin.
Birmingham canal walk to Old Turn Junction
Enjoy this walking route through our canal capital.
Birmingham canal walk to Old Turn Junction
Enjoy this walking route through our canal capital.
Short canal walk to Aston Junction
Stretch your legs and explore Birmingham's canal history on this 1km walk to Aston Junction
Short canal walk to Aston Junction
Stretch your legs and explore Birmingham's canal history on this 1km walk to Aston Junction

The history of the Titford Canal

The canal's Tat Bank Branch was built as a water supply feeder which was also available for commercial boating traffic. It's no longer navigable beyond the first bridge, but retains its original purpose.

Titford Pools, the reservoirs at the canal's present-day terminus, were the venue for two National Waterways Festivals in the early 1980s.

Titford Pool regeneration

We're currently working on project in partnership with Highways England, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund to improve Titford Pools. The project will see see the pools become a new, local park for walkers, cyclists, anglers and families to enjoy a happier, healthier life by water.

Starting in the winter 2019, the two year project will involve dredging the pools to remove the build-up of silt and a redesign of the drainage channels from the M5 motorway. Work will also include cutting back the trees, bushes and shrubs to open up the pools to encourage more plants and wildlife to the area as well as clearing pathways and updating the visitor signs.