Day 1 – 20 June 2026

Bumble Hole (Windmill End)

As we trundled down Windmill End and pulled up next to the old Dry Dock pub, it was all looking rather promising for day one of our epic challenge. Interesting fact: The Dry Dock public house used to have a narrow boat as a bar in the 1980s, which feels exactly the sort of décor decision I can get behind. I’d even persuaded my bab to join us and help launch us off down the canal network. But no. Bab’s not-so-trusty steed decided to conk out – not the car itself, naturally, but the roof mechanism – so Hamish and I ventured up the steps to the towpath alone.

Now, which way to turn? Right? Left? Spin in a circle and hope for the best? There are quite a few options at Bumble Hole. I decided to turn right, away from the 90s metal blasting from one barge and someone shouting “Kev, Kev, Kev, Kev.” Hamish and I fancied some peace and quiet.

Once we got to Windmill End Junction bridge, I again wondered why I hadn’t planned this better. My mom and stepdad had given me a folder full of canal-related maps – even one of Windmill End – and, of course, I had planned as far as bringing water and poo bags. Priorities. I decided the best thing to do was to let Hamish decide. After some serious exploratory sniffs around the bridge, he dragged me down the steps along the Dudley No 2 canal, signposted Birmingham Mainline Canals via Netherton Tunnel. So that was that. Navigation by spaniel.

We passed ducks, eggs on a brick boat in the middle of the cut, and the view of Cobb’s Engine House.

Bab called to say he was on his way to catch us up. I was intrigued by what looked like a metal bird attached to a graffiti wall. This is what I love about wandering: you end up wondering. Who did that? Why there?

Next came the back of MTM Plastics, where the geese were having their weekly committee meeting, watched over by a heron who frankly looked bored and judgemental. It would be interesting to see this bit of the cut during a shift break. Do the geese move on when the workers appear, or do they join the chatter and complain about management? Slightly boring note: my first “proper” job was in an injection-moulded plastics company, so this was either nostalgia or a mild flashback.

As we passed MTM, we could see Doulton Doors and The Café on the Corner, which was, reassuringly, on the corner. Under Dog Lane bridge was an abandoned hovel – The Toll Man’s Office – where boats would once have been charged for passage. No charge today for us, other than sweat, as we started to feel the heat. Past a housing estate on the left and views of the industrial heartland on the right, bab paused and suggested we start our return. Sensible man. Possibly also melting.

This is where I made my first real mistake. I could do with starting and ending each leg at a landmark like a bridge or access point. Trying to work out on the map where we actually finished and turned back was tricky, but thanks to the OS Maps app, I managed it. Future me will be grateful. Current me was mostly squinting at a screen.

We managed to get to a bench for a break and watched two fine Black Country mon fishing in a section of canal opposite. Hamish and I appreciated the pause and the water, until he spotted his nemesis: the squirrel. Peace was declared over. The squirrel, naturally, had not read the room.

As the heat intensified, getting back to the chariot was a relief for all of us. All in all, it was a good day one: canal views, unexpected history, questionable route planning, one highly opinionated dog, and plenty of lessons learned. We’ll take that as a solid start.

Walked:

• From Bumble Hole Visitor Centre at Windmill End (by old Dry Dock pub) to the rear of Brook’s Forgings on Doulton Road.
• 2.54km logged on Strava but more likely to be over 3k as I forgot to restart it!
• If anyone wants to follow my progress on Strava you can find me on there as Katie Ceit (Stourbridge)

Reflections:

• Plan better so we can start and finish at landmarks
• Don’t forget to restart Strava when you’ve paused it for a break
• We will see so many interesting things. Even our manufacturing companies, cafes and housing estates spark interest. Link to them so people can learn more about this wonderful place we call home.

Wot we learnt:

• We went under “Pap Pap” bridge. It’s real name is Bullfield Bridge, and it is the bridge between Rowley Regis and Netherton. It is called “Pap Pap” Bridge because it’s on a blind bend, so you have to pap your horn to warn other motorists. A practical safety measure, yes, but also an excellent excuse to say “pap pap” repeatedly like an overexcited goose.

If you can, please sponsor me and Hamish as we take on this fundraising walk – every donation will help keep us motivated, watered, and only mildly dramatic. Fundraising link: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/17386/black-country-canal-challenge.

Pap pap for now –  Hamish says donations are welcome, squirrels are not.