The Black Country Ring

The Black Country Ring is a popular canal cruising route along the interconnected canals of the West Midlands and historic industrial heartland

The route, also known as the Staffordshire Ring, travels stretches of the Birmingham & Fazeley, Coventry Canal, Trent & Mersey and various sections of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. The Black Country Ring covers 75 miles, and passes through 70 locks, including 21 on the Wolverhampton Flight.

Highlights include: the 21 locks at Wolverhampton; the tranquil waters at Tixall Wide; the National Trust’s Shugborough Hall; Fradley Nature Reserve; the Black Country Living Museum; and Gas Street Basin in Birmingham city centre.

The Black Country canals wind through urban areas, rural landscapes and nature reserves, offering diverse and picturesque surroundings to enjoy along the way. The route offers the chance to explore the industrial heritage of the region.

The canals were once vital arteries for transporting coal, iron, and other raw materials to and from the factories and mines of the Black Country during the Industrial Revolution. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic locks, bridges, and former industrial sites that provide glimpses into the area’s industrial past.

To complete the Black Country Ring from Great Haywood, you’ll travel 75 miles, passing through 79 locks, which will take around 43 hours.