Fradley Junction, near Lichfield is the meeting point of the Trent & Mersey and Coventry Canals and one of the most picturesque waterside scenes in the Midlands. These 4 walks around Fradley Junction are on towpaths (permissive access) and public footpaths through fields, with some sections on roads. There are several stiles and narrow gates and some hilly sections. Conditions underfoot can be muddy after wet weather When you have finished your circular walk, why not take a break for some well earned refreshments at the canalside café. The shop and information centre is an ideal place for purchasing souvenirs or finding out more information on other attractions in the local area and the canal system. All around Fradley Junction there is an abundance of wildlife to be found. Kingfishers, Herons, Moorhens and Great Crested Grebes are common. While walking on the Coventry Canal towpath, you could hear Green Woodpeckers between the junction and Br (bridge) 90 or you might even be lucky enough to spot a Grey or Yellow Wagtail close to the locks. Please note that times and distances given are approximate. Park in the British Waterways pay and display car park. See back of car parking ticket for refund offers at the canalside café. Located off the A38 between Lichfield and Burtonupon- Trent. Follow signs for Fradley Park and then follow brown and white signs for Fradley Junction.

As an extension to your walk, why not enjoy a leisurely stroll around the award winning Fradley Pool Nature Reserve? Try wildlife spotting from inside the stunning bird hide, or discover the tree sculptures and pond dipping platforms (suitable for wheelchair access and pushchairs). Fradley Pool Nature Reserve reveals another dimension in the history of the canal age and is physical evidence of the feud between the two local canal companies. Water is a vital resource in any canal system and the Trent and Mersey Canal Company did not want to lose any of their excess water to the Coventry Canal. Subsequently they set about diverting the water via an overflow weir and channel around the Junction. The reservoir was built in the 1780s to hold this surplus water until it was required, when it could be released into the canal at one of the two points either side of Keepers Lock. In recent years the reservoir site has been classified as a Site of Biological Importance for the floral composition of the woodland and lake, the dead wood and associated invertebrates. ‘The Peoples Gateway to Nature’ Project has transformed this already amazing site into a nature reserve with access through the multitude of habitats, all naturally formed around this canal feature.

The bird hide was constructed and thatched by Raffles Garden Buildings, a small business based in Overseal. It uses a mixture of native woods grown in this country including some branches found around Fradley Pool. Its situation offers panoramic views over the reservoir – an ideal bird watching platform. There are 6 audio points around the site installed by British Waterways. By pressing each control button you will hear a commentary including some local residents telling you about Fradley Junction in times gone by. During one commentary you will hear a local resident telling you about his childhood fishing memories at the pool. Another audio point will provide you with commentary from an ecologist telling you all about the wildlife that the pool and a representative from the RSPB will tell you all about the birds.

Fradley Junction is the point at which the Coventry Canal joins the Trent and Mersey Canal. Josiah Wedgwood, the famous potter proposed the build of the canal from the Trent to the Mersey. Starting in 1766, it took 11 years to dig five tunnels and to complete the canal. The Coventry Canal took longer as financial constraints halted the construction. It took the intervention of both the Trent and Mersey and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal Companies to complete the canal to Fradley Junction. The Junction has always been popular with boaters and has supported a hive of activity based upon life on the canal for the past two centuries. At the junction there is a group of listed buildings including the Swan Inn Public House, cottages and a small warehouse. The adjacent crossover bridge and locks are also listed buildings. The Coventry Canal Company, a partnership created to build and ultimately run the canal for profit, had premises and a toll house situated directly on the Junction. Previously sold, it is now a residential property with a garage in which the brickwork of the original toll house can be seen. The original wharf, including the once redundant stables, carpenters’ and blacksmith shop have been converted into a café, gift shop and information centre. The latest changes to these buildings reflect the increased demand for leisure facilities and new life for the Junction.