Local Explorer Route

Inspired by Birmingham hosting the European Athletics Championships in August 2026 we have created some great local explorer routes so you can have fun discovering Birmingham. Building on our 69wards by bike or foot maps, the routes are mostly traffic free and suitable for all abilities. There are walking and cycling routes for each of the 10 Birmingham constituencies, helping you get outside and discover local greenspaces, hidden gems, heritage sites and cool places to visit.   

All the routes are designed to be self-guided, easy to follow and achievable in one day. Alternatively, you can choose one or two places along the routes to visit and use the route to help plan your journey. 

🚲 Edgbaston – Wild Woodgate

A great bike ride or walk, mostly traffic free with lots to explore along the way. Take the shared path straight from the train station and along the excellent Bourn brook walkway to Woodgate Valley country park. Opt for a 6-mile round trip and completely traffic free route by staying on the cycle path and be emersed in nature. Don’t forget to stop and say hello to the horses, look out for ice age glacier rocks and visit the urban city farm before heading back the way you came. Explore further by looking out for the route extensions along the route using quiet roads and shared paths to Weoley Castle heritage site, Bartley reservoir and Cogs coffee shop, a cycle themed café in Halesowen.  (Also a great walking route)

Notes 

• Gentle ride on shared paths through Bourn brook walkway and Woodgate Valley country park – 6 miles traffic free. 

• Extensions to Weoley Castle and Bartley Reservoir are optional and will require cycling on short sections of road.  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Curbside Coffee Van (University Station) – check open times 

• Various coffee/eating options around University of Birmingham campus – check open times 

• Cogs Cycle Café 

Points of Interest 

• Bourn brook walkway – a shared use cycleway along the Bourn brook, sections passing through nature spots and woodland 

• Weoley Castle – The ruins of a grand manor house built 750 years ago

Green Spaces 

Woodgate Valley Country Park

Large area of countryside with meadows, woodlands and the Bourn brook running through the middle. 

• Children’s playground and lots of

• Nature walking routes. Home to the

• Weekly Parkrun 

• Urban farm, 

• Horse trekking centre and 

• Ice-age erratic boulders

Bartley reservoir and greenspace – 

• Surrounded by nature and walking trails.

• Home of Bartley sailing club and Andrew Simpson Midlands water sports centre

• Community group – Friends of Bartley Reservoir 

Senneleys Park |

• Wide open green spaces

• Children’s playground,

• Skate park

• Outdoor exercise area.  

Public Transport Links  

• University train station 

• Bus number 48, x21, 41, 19, 76 

A few things to remember while you are out exploring these routes: 

• Be prepared – ensure you are wearing suitable shoes and clothing for your activity. Dress for the weather and take water/snacks. 

• If cycling, make sure your bike is in good working order and safe to ride – Do a quick bike check before heading out.

• Please be extra careful when near open water. 

• When cycling always follow the Highway Code.  

• Be courteous to others, particularly on towpaths and shared paths. 

• Most of all, have fun! 

ENJOY exploring your chosen route. We’d love to see what you get up to and hear what you think of the routes so remember to tag @ecobirmingham when sharing your adventures on social media or send us a quick message.  

The development of this route and activities in Birmingham has been supported by: