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. 

🚲 Erdington – Greenspaces & Lakes 

An urban explorer route – almost completely traffic free via greenways and under motorways. Starting at Witton Lakes in the North of Birmingham right on Nation Cycle Route (NCR) 535 – enjoy this green corridor via Perry Common Meadows before reaching the wide-open spaces of Sutton Park. A perfect stop for a picnic or an ice cream before continuing the shared cycleway and joining NCR 534 passing through Sutton Coldfield’s vibrant town centre where there is plenty of cycle parking to stop and explore local shops and cafes. From here you stay on NCR 534 passing through New Hall Valley Country Park and Pype Hayes park. Take in the local nature spots and history before joining the canal towpath passing under the amazing Spaghetti Junction. There’s the option for a short detour to Aston Hall and Villa Park before returning to the start via Brookvale Park and lake, Erdington’s first park.   

For a shorter route we suggest following the route to Sutton Park (ice-cream recommended) then retracing the route back to the start for an 8mile round trip.

Notes 

• This is a moderate ride with a longer distance of 18 miles however still enjoyable if done at your own pace over a whole day with multiple stops along the way.  

• If you’re looking for a shorter route, we suggest choosing one or two highlights to visit and use the route to help plan your journey. For example: following the route to Sutton Park then retracing the route back to the start would make it a 8mile round trip.

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Sutton Park – choose between the famous ice-cream van at the Jamboree stone or one of multiple café options around the park including Blackroot Bistro or Costa just off the route. 

• Sutton Coldfield town centre – many options just off route, we suggest Silver Tree Bakery at Gracechurch Shopping Centre and Under Pressure Espresso.  

• The Bark Bistro – Newhall Valley Country Park 

• Bike Shops – On Your Bike, Boldmere 

Points of Interest 

• Witton Lakes Eco Hub – Witton Lodge 

• Spaghetti Junction  

• Aston Hall – A Grade 1 listed Jacobean house 

• Aston Villa football club – Villa Park  

Green Spaces 

Witton Lakes

• Two lakes 

• Velvet community orchard 

• Wildflower meadows & woodland walks, lots of birdlife 

• Home to Witton Lakes Eco Hub 

Perry Common Recreation Ground –  A bio-diverse green space within the green corridor linking the city centre to Sutton Park  

• Tiny Forest & grassland meadows,  

• Hawthorn brook 

• Children’s playground 

• Multi-use games area 

Sutton Park – National Nature Reserve and one of the largest urban parks in Europe.  

• Seven lakes  

• Heathland, woodlands, wetlands, and marshes  

• Cattle and wild ponies 

• 2km & 5km walking routes 

• Designated cycle routes using main paths 

• Parkrun 

New Hall Valley Country Park

New Hall Mill, one of only two surviving water mills in Birmingham 

• Two children’s playgrounds  

• Picnic area 

• Outdoor exercise trail  

• Numerous walking paths 

• Cycle routes 

• 2km jogging route 

• Wetland boardwalk 

Pype Hayes Park

• Ornamental gardens  

• Duck pond  

• Children’s playground 

• Parkrun  

• Four tennis courts 

• Accessible perimeter path 

• 18 hole golf course 

Brookvale Park  – Opened in 1909 as Erdington’s first park. 

• Woodland walking trails 

• Children’s playground 

• 2km walking and jogging route  

• Tennis courts 

• Fishing  

Public Transport Links  

• Erdington train station (closest to the start) 

• Aston, Gravelly Hill or Sutton Coldfield (Alternative train stations to join the route at different points) 

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: