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The charity making life better by water

A green narrowboat is moored to the left of a calm canal. To the right are some pink flowers and a line of tall trees.

Dudley No 1 Canal

The Dudley No 1 Canal offers peaceful towpath walks steeped in history, whilst its tunnel is a key location to spot a variety of bat species.

At 4.6 miles long, the Dudley No 1 Canal is part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. It joins the Stourbridge Canal at Delph Flight in the West Midlands region. Raised water overflow points on the locks create spectacular waterfalls when the canal level is high.

Enjoy a canalside walk or relaxing boat trip, and admire the local history. See if you can spot any of the limestone fossils remaining from when the area was below sea, and explore some of the numerous local attractions, like the Dudley Tunnel - the only tunnel where boaters must still 'leg it' through because no engines are allowed.

Bats are regularly spotted by the tunnel. If you visit at dusk or dawn, look out for Daubenton's and Pipistrelles around the entrance.

Things to do on the Dudley No 1 Canal

Paddling

Find out more about paddling along this waterway

Trip boat

Experience travelling through the UK's second longest navigable tunnel

Fishing

Grab your rod and get casting

Wildlife spotting

From the nocturnal bat to the elusive kingfisher, what wildlife will you see?

Places to visit near the Dudley No 1 Canal

Dudley

Dudley is an ideal place to begin exploring the canals, with not one but two canals to choose from

Delph Locks

This flight is known as Delph Nine Locks, although there are actually only eight, since it was rebuilt in 1858

Stourbridge Canal

The Stourbridge Canal has a unique association with the glassmaking industry

Dudley No 2 Canal

Witness reminders of its industrial history, including black-and-white footbridges and a derelict brick engine house

Windmill End

Windmill End sits on the Dudley No 2 Canal and is the perfect spot for a family afternoon of exploring

Two women eat lunch next to the canal

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