Built in 1789 as a rival to the BCN, though soon became part of the BCN network. It originaly started from Farmers Junction on the Newhall Branch canal. I have started it from The Old Turn Junction, the other side of Tindal Bridge.
This is an important link canal, linking Birmingham with the Trent and Mersey Canal, via Fazeley Junction and then The Coventry Canal. It also links with the Grand Union Canal and the South and East. So from the centre of Birmingham, you can use the canal network to reach in all directions.
Though starting off from the centre of Birmingham, dont be put off as there has been a lot of canal side regeneration over the past few years. The first few miles until you get past the Salford Junction are industrial and a little run down and once past Minworth you are in open country side.
The book "The Birmingham Canal Navigations" by the Birmingham Branch I.W.A, gives more information on this canal up to the Salford Junction. Otherwise more information is available from British Waterways.