Narrow Boats, pools and ...motorways. Titford Canal, Sandwell

This is an urban walk with lots of interest, along the short Titford Canal.

It starts at the Oldbury branch of Asda. Yes, really.

Leaving the car park and walking left about 50 metres along the A4123 Wolverhampton Road , I went past the New Navigation Inn to the canal - and instant greenery 

 
 ...and a family of coots.

The flowers are changing with the season: the bluebells are being choked now by nettles,
 

...while herb robert and creeping buttercup are coming into flower

Past the strangely named Uncle Bens Bridge. (No apostrophe) Named after the ready cooked rice?

This was a bit grim. But I find it interesting because although the old factory buildings have been demolished - which is a shame - the chances are that there will be a new development of waterfront homes. So begins the next chapter in the story of canals. 

An old factory, and also the reason for my visit. The towpath was lined with boats...

  
...apart from this short section by the railway bridge.

At times they were moored two abreast

All very smartly turned out..

This one even has someone sprucing up the back deck (or clearing the weed-hatch, I wasn't sure)

Here's the reason for the activity, a Boat Rally this weekend (14th/15th May)

Ahead stretch the 6 locks of the Titford Canal 

A modern narrow boat towing an old boat

Another interesting name, Tat Bank.

And then suddenly, the Titford Canal merges with the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal as it runs right under the M5. You either love this or hate it. I just think it's a marvel.

The sign says the Titford Canal is 2.5 miles long.

Another rally-bound boat

I walked a short way along the Main Line - just to look at the motorway. Boats were passing all the time

Returning by the same route: the locks were busy

This modern boat has an old BCN marker 

Titford Pumphouse

Reaching my starting point, I carried on the other,past the Navigation Inn, to find these. The Titford Pools. They act as a feeder to the canal.

You could look across and see Asda, where my walk started. Plus some goslings.

The pools are lovely

Green and peaceful - unexpected right next to a motorway roundabout.

You can walk right round the pools.

Including this section: right under the M5 

 I really had no idea till today. How amazing.

Today's walk: park near any one of the superstores near M5 Junction 2. Find the New Navigation Inn, and walk along the canal. Right takes you to the locks and the Old Main Line Canal. Left is to the pools. My walk was about 4.5 miles. You can make it longer or shorter. I would find it fascinating to walk along the Old Main Line further under the M5 - you might well find the other, greener way more interesting! The boat rally here is an annual event.