Bumble Hole Branch Canal facts for kids

Entrance to Boshboil Branch (under Boshboil Arm Bridge)

Toll Island near Windmill End Junction

Dunn's Bridge over the junction of Bumble Hole Branch Canal on the left with Bumble Hole Bridge on the right. These bridges were built in 1858.

The Bumble Hole Branch Canal and Boshboil Branch are two waterways that loop around a special area called Bumble Hole. This area is a large, water-filled hole that used to be a clay pit. You can find it in the Bumble Hole and Warren's Hall Nature Reserve, located in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, England.

These canals were once part of the original Dudley No. 2 Canal. However, in 1858, a new tunnel called the Netherton Tunnel was opened. This new tunnel created a more direct route for boats. Because of this, the old canal loop around Bumble Hole was no longer needed for the main canal traffic. Part of this old loop has since been filled in, which helps people get closer to the water at Bumble Hole. The area next to the Bumble Hole and Dudley canals is now known as the Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve. It's a great place to explore nature!

History of the Canals

The canals in this area were built a long time ago to help transport goods. Boats would carry coal, iron, and other materials across the country. The Dudley No. 2 Canal was an important part of this network.

The Netherton Tunnel

The Netherton Tunnel was a big project. When it opened in 1858, it changed how boats traveled through the area. Instead of going around the long loop at Bumble Hole, boats could now go straight through the tunnel. This made journeys faster and easier for canal boats.

Cobb's Engine House

Near the canal, between a spot called Windmill End Junction and the entrance to the Netherton Tunnel, stands Cobb's Engine House. This building was constructed in 1831. Its main job was to pump water out of nearby coal mines and into the canal. This helped keep the mines from flooding and made sure the canal had enough water for boats.

Bumble Hole Railway

There used to be a railway line called the Bumble Hole Line that crossed the canal close to Windmill End Junction. This railway was used for many years, likely to transport goods or coal. However, it was taken apart in 1969, so you won't see it there today.

Canal Map