Ridgacre Branch, Industrial canal branch in West Midlands, England.
Ridgacre Branch is an industrial canal extending from Swan Bridge Junction toward Hateley Heath with several loading basins along its length. The waterway passes under historic structures and industrial remains that line both sides of its course.
The canal opened in 1828 as a vital link in the Birmingham Canal Navigations network serving coal mines and iron foundries. Over time it developed branch extensions to reach multiple industrial sites across the wider area.
This waterway shows how transport links shaped the industrial economy of the Black Country. Walking along its banks, you can see remnants of the working landscape that defined the region.
The towpath runs alongside the full length making foot access straightforward from various points. Note that street-level access points may not be obvious, so exploring the surrounding roads helps locate the best entry spots.
The waterway once had three distinct branch lines serving different mining districts. Today these branches are disconnected, but traces of their routes still remain visible in the landscape.
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