Moorings on the Wyrley & Essington Canal

The Wyrley & Essington Canal, known universally to boaters as the Curly Wyrley for its meandering contour route, runs 39 kilometres from Horseley Fields Junction in Wolverhampton east through Wednesfield, Bloxwich, Pelsall and Brownhills to Ogley Junction, with the surviving arm continuing to Chasewater and the restored section towards Huddlesford on the Coventry Canal.

Its defining feature is that it is entirely lock-free along the main line — 39 kilometres at a single level, a rarity on the BCN and a considerable attraction for single-handers and boaters who would rather cruise than work locks. It is also among the greenest parts of the Birmingham network, running past Pelsall North Common, the Chasewater reservoir and long stretches of reclaimed heathland.

Long-stay moorings are available around Pelsall, Longwood Boat Club, Sneyd Wharf and Anglesey Basin, generally at Black Country prices well below the southern network. The canal connects to the Walsall Canal via the Walsall Locks and to the BCN Main Line at Wolverhampton, so despite its rural feel the whole Birmingham system is within a day's cruise. Bloxwich and Walsall stations and the M6 Toll give straightforward road and rail access.