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. 

🚲🚶 Northfield – Parklife

A gentle bike ride or walk, mostly traffic-free and a 5-mile loop starting at Northfield’s Victoria Common. The route explores local parks and ponds with a recommended stop in Bournville for a coffee and refuel with the opportunity to visit the famous Cadbury World or visit local heritage spots such as Selly Manor and Bournville village green. 

Notes 

• Gentle walk or ride using shared paths through local parks. 

• Two very short quiet road sections to connect parks along the route, Hay Green Lane & Vinyard Road.  

• Short hill to finish (up Vineyard Rd back to Northfield). Walking here is totally fine.  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Bournville village green – bakery, shops, café – Kafenion, Hub on the Green  

• Northfield shopping centre 

• Just off route – Northfield high-street 

• Bike shops – Northfield Cycles, Bike Foundry, Venture Bikes  

Points of Interest 

• Hidden waterfalls 

• Bournville heritage Sites – Selly Manor, Village Green, The Pavilion 

• Ice age ‘erratic’ boulders 

• Cadbury World  

• Boating lake (and listed Boat Club building – boats sailing most Sundays) 

Green Spaces 

 Victoria Common

Opened in 1901 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee [check dates!] – spot the parakeets! 

• Children’s playgrounds 

• Fitness equipment / outdoor gym 

• Tennis courts & football pitch 

• 2 km health walking route 

• Benches dotted around the park  

Merritts Brook Greenway 

An all weather, tree lined walking and cycling path that runs from Ley Hill Park all the way to Bournville.  

Garland Way Park (aka Greyfox Park)

• Duckpond 

• Ice age ‘erratic’ boulders  

Woodlands Park 

• Small children’s playground  

• Small stream 

• Ice age ‘erratic’ boulders 

• Benches  

Bournville Park

Bourn Brook flows through the park – which Bournville is named after 

• Children’s playground 

• Tennis courts 

• Benches 

Manor Farm Park

• Lake 

• Children’s playground 

• Heritage trail 

• 2 km walking route 

• Benches  

• Hidden waterfalls 

 Ley Hill Recreation Ground

A series of wood carvings in the arboretum area of the park by wood carver Graham Jones.  

• Children’s rainbow play area 

• Football pitch 

• Hardcourt basketball court 

• Tree trail walking route  

Public Transport Links  

• Northfield (via Church Hill to start point) 

• Bournville (optional alternative to start or end halfway around 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: