Gains Plantation - Conifer woodland

Circular route following the Wyrley & Essington Canal to Clayhanger Common – one of Walsall’s much-loved areas of green, open space. Distance: 6 miles/9.5 km(approx) Duration: 120 mins(approx)

Short, circular route following the Wyrley & Essington Canal to Clayhanger Common – one of Walsall’s much-loved areas of green, open space. Distance: 6 miles/9.5 km(approx) Duration: 120 mins(approx)

Starting at Sandwell Valley via the outskirts of Birmingham and the countryside of Walsall into Staffordshire. Take in the Forest of Mercia, lakes, nature reserves, woods, and canal banks. Named after Barr Beacon, one of the highest hills in this area.

Canalside route passing through the heartlands of the industrial Black Country. Decends using the Walsall locks then rises at Ryders Green Locks. Distance: 10 miles/16 km (approx) Duration: 90 min (approx)

Starley (TfWM) Regional Cycle Network (Proposed route)

A semi-rural route following the curves of the canal, until it opens out into parkland at the Cannock Extension. Distance: 5.5 miles/8.8 km (approx) Duration: 45 min (approx)

Canalside route leading past Clayhanger Common and through Rushall, with a pub along the way. Distance: 7 miles/11.2 km (approx) Duration: 60 min (approx)

Canalside route following the Wyrley & Essington, taking New Cross Bridge, where the towpath changes to the other side of the canal. Distance: 6 miles/9.6 km (approx) Duration: 60 min (approx)