Dudley trail - 9 mile route

Next Sunday, May 3rd, Dudley Leisure Centre will be buzzing with people. It's the day of the Dudley trails. I've walked some for you, so you can see what they are like. This is the 9 mile route

It starts off from the Leisure Centre, and down through the Cemetery.

You cross the bypass. So far, not so scenic.

But then the route really starts! Down these steps and onto the Dudley Canal.

No, not through the Dudley Tunnel.

The other way, to Park Head Locks.

View towards Netherton.

Following the Canal to Black Delph Junction.

Past Blowers Green Pumphouse

The towpaths are in great condition.

This swan wasn't happy to see me. I didn't even zoom for this picture: he got that close!

And here's why: his mate sitting on a nest

Plenty of forget me nots along the route

Some old winding gear.

And the route goes on past the Waterfront,...

 ...and Merry Hill as you rarely see it.

Almost immediately afterwards, you meet the nine locks at Delph

The overflows by each lock are very impressive

Along the route, there are some old buildings, reminders of the days when the canals carried coal, iron and glass from the Black Country to places all over England, and on to the continent.

Some goslings and their parents, trying to look invisible.

The colours on this walk are just amazing.

Looks like a painting by Monet!

You turn right, on the canal towards Pensnett. Some industrial buildings here, which are quite interesting.

This is the end of the canal, by the Dell Stadium. Beautiful.

Th remains of the old canal, now part of the Fens Pool Nature reserve.

A view of Fens Pool - unfortunately the weather turned dull, which was a shame.

From there, you follow the route of the old railway: this is an ambulance going over the bridge on Pensnett High Street.

More lovely walking.

The area is quite wild.

The site of an old quarry.

An abandoned chimney: maybe from a brick-works?

A small bit of road walking towards the end of the walk: cherry trees by Himley Road.

But the route soon turns back onto this path, and finally back to Dudley Leisure Centre.

I will be trying the 12 and 6 mile routes next week, so if this walk isn't for you, keep a lookout for the others.

Today's route was 9 miles, and is the exact one used for one of the Dudley Trail walks this year. It is almost all flat, except right at the end, and the paths are good, clear and well-maintained.

Dudley Trail - information

Walks of six, nine, 12, 18 and 26 miles on offer with routes covering the hidden beauty and proud industrial heritage of the borough. Participants can walk at their own pace and will take in the sights of canal towpaths, disused railway lines, country footpaths and a few roads as part of the walks. All walks start at Dudley Leisure Centre at designated times between 8am and noon. Checkpoints are strategically placed along each of the five routes to ensure the well being and whereabouts of walkers and light refreshments are available.  Everyone who completes a trail receives a certificate of achievement.

It costs £3 per person to join the 26 and 18 mile routes, £2.50 for the 12 and nine mile routes and £1.50 to walk the more gentle six miles routes.  An additional fee of 50p will be charged for all entries on the day.

Entry forms are available online at www.dudley.gov.uk/dudleytrail from Dudley Council’s leisure centres and libraries or by calling Himley Hall on 01384 817817.