Netherton Tunnel Ride

DISTANCE: 25 miles

DURATION: 6 hours

ROUTE GPX: DOWNLOAD

KOMOOT LINK: https://www.komoot.com/tour/162075407

LEVEL: Intermediate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces but towpaths are narrow in places and can be muddy and pot holed. Suitable for all skill levels.

To find out when we are riding this route again head over to our Ride Calendar.

This is the ride that started it all and canal riding at it’s best!

Part bike ride, part history lesson, part picnic but ALL fun!

Route Description

Meeting canalside on the steps underneath Eds Easy Diner in Brindley Place we will head towards Dudley following the twists and turns of James Brindley’s original canal, the old mainline canal.

At Smethwick Junction turnover bridge follow the canal to the right up through Smethwick Locks. The towpath from here is largely un-paved, rooty and bricky. It can be very muddy in the wet and overgrown in the summer so take care. Continue to follow the canal Smethwick summit and through the summit tunnel. The towpath can become super muddy here in the winter/wet.

The canal follows underneath the M5 motorway. The towpath is gravelly and look out for steps and low bridges. Leaving the M5 you will wind your way from Oldbury to Tipton. The towpath can be overgrown here so take your time. There can also be a lot of glass and obstacles on the towpath.

At the distinctive Pitchfork bridge you will cross to the otherside of the canal. The gates are awkward here, you will need to push. Once on the other side, ride the short section of the canal following it around to the left where it reached the Black Country Living Museum and you can catch a glimpse of Lord Wards Dudley Tunnel as it plunges underneath Dudley

From here we join the road to cycle up and over Dudley before rejoining the Dudley Tunnel at it’s southern portal on the Dudley number 1 canal.

Directions Through Dudley

The Traffic Light Junction on the Birmingham New road has no pedestrian crossing. Take care when crossing to join the bike lane to cycle up past the entrance to the Black Country Living Museum on the A4037. When you reach the Dudley Archives turn right on to Discovery Way then left onto Zoological Drive. At the end follow the metal animals through the gates onto Castle Hill. You will need to ride up Castle Hill on the pavement due to the tram works.

When you reach the top, continue straight on the road, keep the statue on your left, and take the next left on to Tower Street past Dudley College. At the Court House Pub turn right then take the next Left on to Priory Street past the Law Courts. Continue to follow Priory Street untill it bears right onto Wolverhampton Street (B4176).

Follow Wolverhampton Street until you reach a set of traffic lights where you turn left on to Southalls Lane. Continue Straight over the next set of lights on to Wellington Road. Enjoy the downhill untill you reach a big set of lights with Jones Memorials on your left, make sure you stay in the correct lane to go straight over these lights.

This is a busy junction so stay together and obey the rules of the road. Just after the lights take the second right hand turn, opposite the blue cycle sign to ‘merry hill’ on to Park Head Road. Take care turning here as the traffic approached fast and may not see you. It may be worth putting a spotter on the corner.

At the end of Park Head Road bear right on to Clee Road where a strip of yellow tarmac by a low red brick wall you will turn Left onto the cycle path Route 54 and use the crossings to cross Dudley Bypass. Follow the cycle route to drop back down on to the canal at Park Head.

Back on the Canal

From Park Head follow the canal under the viaduct, past the lock keepers cottage and cross the Lock by the pump station to turn left to follow Dudley number 1 canal all the way to Bumble Hole and the Southern end of the Netherton Tunnel.

We will stop here fer a cuppa tay, un yow con ate yer snap afower wi goo in the tunnel.

Netherton tunnel is 2768m long. It is dark. You will need a light. The tow path will be pot holed, very wet and narrow.

Emerging from the tunnel we will turn left on to Thomas Telfords faster, new Birmingham Mainline Canal back into Brummagem.

This ride is an explore not a race. Please allow 4-6 hours. There is a climb up over Dudley and some busy roads.

Mountain bikes and gravel bikes will be fine, you will be ok on a hybrid as long as you have good tyres, not skinny slicks (although it has been done) – they will just make life hard (or super fun) for you.

Register

If you would like to join us please read our CODE OF CONDUCT where you can register for Bicycle Adventure Club Rides.