Urban Ramble: Dudley Canals and the Netherton Tunnel

Another in our series of lovely walks through urban and green spaces of the West Midlands using the Greenways Map. This time we have a circular walk from Dudley that follows the canals both above and below ground!

The route is around 8 miles and is flat, easy walking and we will take it very easy. There is lots to see, including industrial heritage (the home of the bouncing bomb and the anchor or The Titanic!) as well as nature reserves! 

Scary Tunnel Warning: We also plan to walk through the Netherton Tunnel which is 1¾ miles long as it has a good tow path throughout. We strongly advise bringing a torch for this part as it is not lit! (If the tunnel or towpath is closed we will follow it’s path over ground).

We will meet in front of Dudley Zoo and use a short stretch of town centre roads to get to the Dudley Canal at Parkhead Locks. After this, the canal splits and we will follow the left fork past Saltwells Nature Reserve and Lodge Farm Reservoir before eventually reaching Windmill End Junction beside Bumble Hole and Warrens Hall Nature Reserves. This is where we enter the Netherton Tunnel for around 40 minutes of subterranean walking. We emerge at Tividale where we turn left onto the Birmingham Canal which takes us back to the Dudley Canal at Tipton Junction and entrance to the Dudley Tunnel. We can't walk through the Dudley Tunnel, so here we leave the canal for a short road walk following the barge horse route back to Dudley Zoo.

Lunch: We will divert into Netherton for free time and the option of a traditional Black Country pub stop. We'll also encounter "the Titanic Anchor".

Important Footwear Note: Please ensure you wear footwear that will keep your feet dry when walking through puddles as some puddles in the tow path are unavoidable (particularly when in the Netherton Tunnel.

This event is organized and supplied by Richard Coulter – Hidden Spaces, whose terms and conditions apply, obtainable on request and for whom Spice act as agent. Those booking enter into a contract directly with Richard Coulter. For availability and bookings contact Spice.