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. 

🚲 Ladywood – A Taste of Birmingham 

Expect galleries, canals, museums, cafés and a bit of nature too. This six mile route takes in many of Birmingham’s highlights, both well-known and some hidden gems, so, there’s plenty of opportunity for stops along the way. Starting in Brindley Place right outside the Ikon Gallery, you will then take the canal towards the Jewellery Quarter, passing St Paul’s square and a range of museums/heritage sites. You will leave the city on quiet roads and the cycleway for a breath of fresh air and great city skyline views at Edgbaston reservoir. Take a moment here before the last mile and a half back into town on shared paths passing Ladywood Leisure Centre and onto the canal. This ride really does have so much to offer!  

Notes 

• A great route to discover things to see and do near the city centre 

• The route is generally flat and uses shared spaces – share with care and be mindful of the short section of narrow canal towpath and cobble surfaces as you pass the locks heading towards the Jewellery Quarter.  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Brindley Place – plenty of options here including Medicine Bakery at the Ikon Gallery and Caffé Nero 

• Jewellery Quarter – our recommendations include Alterna, Saint Kitchen, Grounded, Urban Café and The Hive 

• Loaf n Latte – Dudley Road 

• Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing centre – Edgbaston reservoir – check open times 

• Reservoir café – Edgbaston reservoir 

Points of Interest 

• Ikon Gallery 

• Oozells Square blossom trees (in the spring)  

• Legoland Discovery Centre (look out for the big Lego giraffe!) 

• Utilita Arena 

• National Sealife Centre 

• The Coffin Works Museum 

• The Pen Museum 

• St Paul’s square  

• RBSA Gallery 

• The Chamberlain Clock  

• Ladywood Leisure Centre 

Green Spaces 

Edgbaston Reservoir – Local Nature Reserve and a site of historic importance.  

• Surrounded by woodland and grassland 

• Parkrun 

• 2.8km walking route 

• Birmingham Rowing club 

• Midland Sailing club 

• Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing centre 

Summerfield Park

• Accessible walking routes  

• Basketball court  

• 2 children’s play areas  

• Cricket pitch  

• Cycling routes  

• Football pitches  

• 2 tennis courts 

Public Transport Links  

• New Street or Five Ways train station (both a short distance from the start) 

• Birmingham Snowhill or Jewellery Quarter train station (to join part way into the route) 

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: