This is trail 2 of 6 in a series, developed in conjunction with the Canal & Rivers Trust, which runs through Birmingham and the Black Country. The trails are a variety of lengths and can be paddled at your leisure. Explore just one, or complete all six in a multi-day expedition.

Opened in 1797, the Wyrley & Essington contoured 16½ miles through mining country, connecting Wolverhampton with a route north of Birmingham through to Fazeley, the Coventry Canal and routes north on the Trent and Mersey canal.

The route passes through Roughwood, an ancient woodland which represents about 10% of the oak woodland within the West Midlands.

As the canal also wanders through Bentley Haye, this is a haven for amphibians and aquatic insects like caddis flies and water beetles.

Where the route finishes at Bentley Bridge Retail Park, the old stub of the Bentley Canal, abandoned in 1961, can be seen on the left-hand bank. Get out anywhere along the left bank. Ample parking is nearby.

Along the route, look out for the many arms of the canal which fed the local industry or took coal from the collieries.

• Tunnels: In tunnels, you must use a forward-facing bright light (such as a head torch).

This section of the Birmingham and Black Country Canoe Trail winds its way along the Wyrley & Essington Canal, past factories and houses but with views over woodland and heath.

More information can be found at Paddle UK.