Into the Abyss: The Netherton Tunnel

June's Erratic takes us into the dark heart of the Black Country. Join us on Saturday 25th… if you dare!

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For June's Erratic we're venturing deep into the bowels of the Black Country with a chilling walk through the longest canal tunnel in the West Midlands. The Netherton Tunnel was dug between 1855-1858 and stretches 1.7 miles beneath the Rowley Hills. It is accessible to the public via towpaths either side of the canal.

Adding to the spookiness, the tunnel is unlit save for the natural light that enters through eight ventilation shafts spaced evenly across its length. These are the only connection to the world above. At the innermost point of the tunnel you are 105 meters below the ground and all you can see is a pinprick of light far ahead, and the same behind.

Above ground the ventilation shafts are visible as cylindrical chimneys, or "pepper pots" as they're locally known. They sprinkle the suburban landscape and can be found in woods, on roundabouts and in gardens. Legend has it that eight of these shafts can be counted inside the tunnel but only seven have been identified above. Where is the missing pepper pot? Will we find it?

Have you seen a pepper pot like this one?

This walk begins and ends at Dudley Port Station. We shall enter the tunnel through the north portal, a twenty minute walk from the station. Assuming we all make it through, we shall emerge about 45 minutes later in Bumble Hole (grow up) nature reserve where we can drop by the visitor centre and use the facilities. The return journey will be above ground, tracing the route of the tunnel by walking between the pepper pot chimneys.

This is our longest Erratic to date by some distance: we estimate a 6 mile round trip. If you think you have what it takes, meet Andy and Andrew at the main entrance to Dudley Port Station at 10am, Saturday, 25th June. No need to book. Bring a torch, a packed lunch and sturdy footwear as the towpath can be uneven and wet in the tunnel. The terrain will be pavement, grassland, towpath and roads with some steep climbs on the way back. We aim to be back at Dudley Port Station by 2pm.

Any queries, email: andyhowlett@hotmail.com


The walk will go ahead whatever the weather. We recommend signing up to our mailing list and/or checking our social media feeds to stay informed in the unlikely event of a cancellation.