Underground, Overground…
As those who know me will know I just love our canals, whether that’s boating them or exploring them on foot. This virtual is designed to make you explore one of the incredible features from our industrial heritage, the 2768 meter long Netherton Tunnel, which takes about 45 mins to explore fully by boat or on foot.
Air Shafts
Netherton Tunnel was built with 17 air shafts - 9 of these were filled in, however 8 can still be seen above ground today, in one form or another. They are often referred to as ‘pepper pots’ because most have a dome shaped grid over the top. The posted Co-Ordinates take you to Air Shaft No. 4 but I have also added Air Shaft No.2 as a waypoint.
To log this virtual you need to complete two tasks;
Task 1. Overground
Get a photo showing yourself or something that identifies you with either Airshaft No.4 or Airshaft No.2 from above ground.
Task 2. Underground
A) Head into the tunnel using the towpath (or narrowboat) from either end (see waypoints) and get a photo in the vicinity of the same airshaft from below. You can enter the tunnel from either end, but you will need to enter by the towpath on the eastern side of the canal, as only this side is accesible to the public. Boats please stick to the wet stuff in the middle. Again, this photo does not have to show your face but there should be some way of identifying you.
B) Continue to the sign for Air Shaft No.6 inside the tunnel, to the north by just a few meters is a small stone plaque with a year. Tell me what the year is.
YOU NEED BOTH PHOTOS AND THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION TO LOG THE CACHE
A few things to remember before attempting this cache;
- Netherton Tunnel towpath is open to the public. However safety in areas around water should always be considered when on the canals and especially near locks, tunnels and other canal infrastructure. Therefore I have prepared some information about walking the tunnel which I think you should be aware of. Please read the information carefully and only attempt if you feel comfortable walking the tunnel towpath.
- The tunnel is unlit, and low in places, but with a towpath of a reasonable width.
- You will need a torch (essential) and you should be careful as the towpath in the tunnel is often slippery or has standing water. Good waterproof footwear is advised. The ground may be uneven. It is not recommended to attempt this cache alone.
- Please stick within any guidance set for using the tunnel towpath from Canal & River Trust. Do not take any unnecessary risks. You should be aware Canal & River Trust's water safety information before attempting the cache. You can find water safety information here or on the Canal & River Trust website.
- I have chosen a virtual as it felt more appropriate for this location than a physical hide. I have also set the cache in a way so that there should be no reason to leave the towpath or lean over the railings or the edge of the canal.
- Unpowered craft such as kayaks or SUPs are NOT allowed in Netherton Tunnel. Please do not attempt this cache by unpowered craft.
- It is not necessary to visit any of the other airshafts for the purposes of this geocache. Some of the other airshafts are on private property and although most can be seen from the road I have deliberately avoided using these and I would ask you to be respectful of the landowners owners privacy. There is another good example in Tividale Park or there is also one in the middle of a mini roundabout on Aston Road, but that one is less impressive.
- Please be aware of the nearest tunnel exits, which are usually marked by arrows on the wall
- Boaters should adhere to the rules of the navigation. Information on navigating tunnels safely can be found on the Canal & River Trust website or in the boaters handbook. Please follow this at all times when searching for this Geocache.
- Cycling is not advised for the purposes of the geocache
- A reminder that this cache is done entirely at your own risk and I am not responsible for any damage to person or property. By attempting this cache you accept full responsibility for your own actions. The cache may not be suitable for all abilities.
Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.