Paddling under Spaghetti Junction - on the Tame Valley canal!

You might have driven up the M6 near Birmingham and passed junction 6 Gravelly Hill Interchange or as it's more widely known - Spaghetti Junction.

It's a criss cross of roads that form some of the main routes into and around Birmingham. The M6, that goes over Spaghetti Junction, stretches from the midlands all the way to the border of Scotland. It's the longest motorway in the UK!

Underneath Spaghetti Junction are several canals including the Birmingham & Fazeley canal, the Birmingham & Warwick Junction canal and the Tame Valley canal.

On this page, Dave takes a trip down the Tame Valley canal towards and underneath Spaghetti Junction.

This is an ideal trip for kayak, canoe and stand up paddle board (SUP).

A trip for kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board (SUP)

Under Spaghetti Junction - the M6 is at the top left of the photo. Dave's kayak on the bank and looking lonely!

The get in is on Deykin Avenue, Birmingham about 300 metres from Spaghetti Junction. The parking is limited as it is a busy industrial estate road. Please park carefully and legally.

Once changed, it's easy to carry your craft down to the canal. There are two locks here so you need to walk down past the second lock before you get in (or paddle down and get out and go round the second lock).

The sides of the canal are suitable for either a low side launch or a seal launch depending on your craft and how you feel.

Walk down the tow path and past the 2nd lock - seen in the distance

Paddling off towards Spaghetti Junction in my kayak

As you paddle along the canal, you'll see it becoming a little more industrial with buildings, chimneys and concrete structures. After a hundred metres or so, you'll go under the first bridge.

This is a footbridge to allow people to pass from one side of the Tame Valley canal to the other. In the distance you will see the myriad of bridges - including the M6 motorway - you are about to go under!

There are 14 bridges in total and a tunnel too!

As with any urban landscape, the bridge structures are adorned with graffiti. It's a colour contrast to the autumnal colours when Dave paddled the trip.

Graffiti on the walls and reflecting in the canal

Under the M6 motorway

A little further and you go under the sprawling curve of the M6 motorway.

A crucial road artery in the UK that carries thousands of vehicles every day.

The area around Spaghetti Junction does get busy in rush hour and traffic often slows to a halt!

Going over your head are 6 lanes - 3 northbound and 3 southbound - and a hard shoulder either wide.

The noise from vehicles is very loud and the constant rumble of tyres on tarmac echoes in your ears!

Going under the M6

You are at the heart of Spaghetti Junction now. The M6 and A38(M) are above you as you enter this 80 metre tunnel. Definitely eerie with a drop in temperature as you paddle onwards.

If you look up, you'll see several 'skylights' letting in a little light. Any noise echoes through the tunnel and adds to the spookiness!

Through the tunnel! Very spooky!

Stopping underneath Spaghetti Junction

Under a couple more bridges and you'll arrive at the junction that splits to take the canal into central Brimingham.

It's easy to get out here (W3W) for a rest or to have a look around.

Depending on the time of year, you might see other boaters - keep right when passing them and say hello!

The paddle back is gentle and gives you a different perspective as you head away from the noise and bustle of one of the busiest road junctions in the UK.

The whole trip in your kayak, canoe or on your stand up paddle board (SUP) takes about an hour - or longer if you stop for snacks!

Have fun and happy paddling!

Dave in his kayak and paddling back, ready to leave Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham behind

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