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Fradley is North of Lichfield on the A38 towards Burton, and about 1 mile North of the exit from Streathay onto the A38. Turn left for Fradley along Woodend Lane, and second right into Gorse Lane, crossing over the Coventry Canal, then left again until you come to the Trent and Mersey Canal bridge. Turn left before you cross this bridge, up the track to the car park outside the British waterways gift shop and information centre. There is a map [ HERE ]
There is much to see here. Browse through the information centre, coffe at the Canalside Cafe followed by a walk up the canal to the lock, just past which is the Swan Inn, or as we wags used to call it - the 'Mucky Duck'. Well it may have been in those days, but today it is a welcoming canalside pub with a great menu and warm reception. There is also a cafe at the camp site beyond, so you will not be short of refreshment.
Reproduced by kind permission of the British Waterways Office
For wildlife enthusiasts, and the centrepiece of the British Waterways project here, is the reservoir opposite the information centre, which has been turned into a water park, now classified as a Site of Biological Importance for the floral composition of the woodland and lake, the dead wood and associated invertebrates.
There is a pathway all round the lake, some of it boarded, with wheelchair access. Alongside the lake there is also a bird hide, which has employed the traditional crafts, workmanship with contemporary design making the whole area a delight to explore.
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Last updated: September 12th, 2006.
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