Canal walking in May. Walk 2: Dudley Port

Determined to prove that there is good walking to be had in urban areas, I went to Dudley Port Station to see if this was true.
The bridge is a railway bridge with an aqueduct behind.

Here's the aqueduct from above

Dudley Port station is behind the far railings

But look at the canal a few metres away: green and pleasant!

Although trains do pass by regularly

Canal junction with attractive bridges

This heron is so used to life here that he doesn't move when trains pass by. 

This part of the walk follows the Wolverhampton - Birmingham Canal. Built later and straighter than the earlier canals.

I turned onto the Netherton Tunnel Canal, soon passing under Groveland Bridge.

This bridge is actually an aqueduct: the canal it carries is called the Birmingham Canal, Wolverhampton Level, according to my map.

Looking back at the aqueduct

Netherton Tunnel

Re-opened in 1984, much to the delight of canal enthusiasts all over the country.

Looking into the Tunnel. I visited the other end last year- just a dot on this picture. (Click here to see my visit there)

Looking out from the Tunnel.

Returning, I noticed one of the traditional canal cottages was for sale. Bargain price of £120,000 for a tranquil location in an urban area.

Next, I went to investigate the aqueduct, and the Wolverhampton Level of the Birmingham Canal. I'll show you that tomorrow. Click here to see it

Today's walk: Park in the streets by Dudley Port Station, and joining the canal by the aqueduct. Turn right, and walk to the first canal junction. From here, you will walk a square shape. So, turn right, but keep on the left hand side of the canal. Walk as far as Netherton Tunnel, and then retrace your steps to the first bridge. Ascend this to another canal, and turn left (again keeping to the towpath on the left hand side.) Turn left at the next canal junction, and then left again at the next, which takes you back onto to the first canal. Walk back to your starting point. About 4 miles of surprisingly green and pleasant walking deep in one of the most urban areas of the Black Country.