Stoke Locks at Stock Prior Fradley Junction Lowsonford,Stratford upon Avon Canal

In order to develop this site and include more of the history of the canal network we would be interested in any old postcards / pictures which could be used on this site. If you can help in this area we would be happy to hear from you. Please Email us at ian@upthecut.co.uk

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Up The Cut: has been written for those people who enjoy a stroll along the tow path and share an interest in the canals and in their history and how they were used to transport the many materials up and down the country.
In time it is intended to further develop this site to include older pictures of the areas shown and a little more detailed history behind the people who worked them.
Aston Junction  
Factory Locks,Tipton
Aston Junction: This is where the Birmingham and Fazeley canal meets the Digbeth branch of the Grand Union canal which in turn leads to the Warwick Bar and Bordesley Junction. The B & F can be seen leading off to the left heading towards Rocky Lane bridge and eventually Salford Junction. Lock 1 heads this section and is the first of 11 locks raising the water level by 70 feet. A cast iron roving bridge manufactured by Horseley Iron works also marks this junction which was opened in 1839 and linked Birmingham with the North - West.

Access to this area can be made via Holborn Hill Bridge or Cuckoo Bridge. The tow path is in good condition with moorings and water points available at the latter.

Factory Junction Tipton: This is where the B.C.N (Birmingham Canal Navigations) Main Line canal splits off into the new Birmingham Main Line built by Thomas Telford. Locking down the Factory locks lowers the level by 20 feet leaving James Brindley's old Birmingham Main line to meander along its contoured path on and around the Rowley Ridge. The Black Country living museum can be accessed via this route. (Well worth a visit, but allow a full day to take it all in!) Factory Junction (named after a long gone soap factory) was a "rest and recuperation" point for boatmen to grab food and drink and perhaps a chance to use the washing facilities. This was known locally as the boatman's mission which still stands today. This was one of five such missions the B.C.N provided throughout the B.C.N canal network.
 

Up The Cut Links

Birmingham & Black Country canals & canal junctions with digital photographs. These links are constantly being updated, Select a canal in the box below then choose an area from your selection