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. 

🚲 Hodge Hill – Green Corridors   

A great ride exploring local greenways and hidden gems traffic free. Expect is an easy-going ride starting along the Bromford Greenway and nature corridor before joining the shared paths up a short hill to Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens, a lovely place to visit for all the family (entrance charges apply) or just stop for coffee and enjoy the lovely courtyard. Just next door is Castle Bromwich parkland & nature trail, perfect picnic spot. You then head through Buckland End to join the River Cole cycle route through the Kingfisher Country Park, a nature filled traffic free route on shared paths before reaching Babbs Mill Lake with lovely views across the water.   

Notes 

• Gentle cycle on shared paths with plenty of interesting stops for all the family along the way 

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Community hub (open door) and shop – Bromford Drive 

• Courtyard Cafe – Castle Bromwich Hall 

Points of Interest 

• The Hub/Open Door – Community centre offering activities and support, Bromford Drive 

• Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens (entry fee) 

• The River Cole 

• Babbs Mill Lake.  

Green Spaces 

Bromford Greenway – a green corridor connecting a network of traffic-free paths and green routes through local communities, parks and amenities. 

• Surfaced path great for walking, wheeling and cycling  

• Children’s Playground 

• Outdoor gym 

• Skate Park 

Castle Bromwich Historic Parkland – Also known as Lady Brads, open parkland and conservation area. Free to visit.  

• Meadows 

• Wood and wetland trail  

 River Cole  

The River Cole Valley Cycle Route runs for 10 miles and passes through several of the city’s suburbs with parks and lakes along the way, a hot spot for local wildlife. 

• Basketball court 

• Children’s playground 

• Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) 

• Skate park 

Kingfisher Country Park  

Huge open greenspace running along a section of the River Cole to Shard End and Babbs Mill Lakes. Yorks Wood, close to the end of the ride, is an 11 hectare ancient woodland. Throughout the route you will find great, surfaced paths for walking, jogging, cycling and a variety of wildlife. 

Public Transport Links  

•  Sutton Coldfield Train Station 

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: