Places features

Continuing the short walks theme I took the 248 bus from Stourbridge to Halesowen and then onto near Netherton. The first of these walks is 'Poetic' and the next industrial.

Mike Jemmett

Firstly in Halesowen, Leasowes Park – known as the 'Poetic landscape'. The 248 route takes us close, Mucklow Hill & Leasowes, but due to difficulties crossing the dual-carriageway on foot I suggest a slight detour via the number 9 bus to Manor Way. 

Alight at the bus stop just passed Sandvick. Take the footpath adjacent to this stop. This is a much more rewarding walk to Leasowes Park.

Created by William Shenstone an 18th Century poet (hence 'Poets Landscape') he formed the park from his estate and farmland. Leasowes is of major historic significance being the most widely visited park in the whole of the 18th century, ranking in importance with landscape parks such as Blenheim and Stowe.

In Leasowes Park

With now major restoration, this park has many fine walks, with streams, lakes and grasslands as well as very fine woodland walks. The winter walk I took was truly magical; hopefully the pictures will convey the lovely atmosphere of Leasowes.

Onto Bumblehole

Continuing on the 248 bus route to Bumblehole, just past Old Hill, alight at the Saltwells Road stop by the Aldi. Cross Halesowen road at the pedestrian crossing. Turn left up Halesowen Road over the Cole Street Junction and just past the new canal side housing development, then turn right onto the canal footpath to Bumblehole.

Bumblehole

Bumblehole - this site of industrial importance, together with substantial landscape improvements makes for a most attractive and evocative site. 

Of note - the cast-iron footbridges, built around 1830 and manufactured by Tollend Work of Tipton; the Cobbs Engine House built in 1831 which is now a scheduled ancient monument; as well as the Netherton Tunnel (3270 yards long). This tunnel was the last to be built in the canal age, it being the widest and unusually featuring a toe path on both sides.

Bumblehole

Whilst exploring Bumblehole one must walk to the elevated area behind Cobbs Engine House as the views are well worth the effort.

Enjoy these photographs. I plan my next walks in Dudley.

Useful information on both sites is available from Dudley MBC Planning and Leisure Department. Both sites also have visitor centres, but check opening times.

All photos on this page by Mike Jemmett.