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. 

🚲  Perry Barr – City Centre to Alexander Stadium

Expect a grand day out on this route from Birmingham City Centre to Perry Park and Alexander Stadium with lots to see and do along the way. Explore Birmingham’s segregated A34 blue cycle route, the wonderful parks in Handsworth and Perry Barr and a street art trail. With lots of opportunities for coffee stops, shopping and great visitor attractions, there’s something for everyone. 

Notes 

• An easy, low traffic cycle route 

• Short road sections through the city centre to join the A34 cycleway and from the cycleway to Handsworth Park and Perry Hall Park. 

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Birmingham City Centre – many options around New Street Station and Colmore Row 

• Multiple options along the A38   

• Newtown shopping centre 

• Lozells Road  

• Soho Road – Just off route  

Points of Interest 

• Art, Sculpture and Murals along the route 

• Ozzy the mechanical bull in New Street Station, Navigation Street Mural  

• Lozells: Downlow Mural Trail an interactive art trail of 10 stunning murals 

• Handsworth: Handsworth Park Arts Trail – a permanent arts trail including sculpture and murals 

• St Philips Cathedral – the oldest building in the city centre still used for its original purpose and home to four pre-Raphaelite stained-glass windows 

• The Lighthouse Young People’s Centre  

• Shree Geeta Bhawan Mandir – the first Hindu temple in the West Midlands 

• Alexander Stadium – the largest athletics stadium in the United Kingdom. 

Green Spaces 

Handsworth Park  

• Large greenspace with flower beds, mature trees, shrubs and plenty of wildlife. 

• Art trails throughout the park 

• 2km walking routes around the park 

• Home to Handsworth Leisure Centre 

• Cricket pitch and pavilion  

• Major community events  

• Friends of Handsworth Park  

Perry Hall Park  

• Nature rich greenspace with wildflower meadows, orchards, flower beds, ponds, sensory garden and wildlife 

• Parkrun – Saturday mornings 

• 11-a-side football pitch 

• 15 cricket pitches 

• Monarchs Cycle Club velodrome 

Perry Park  

• Small greenspace with wildlife-stocked reservoir and walking routes. 

• Alexander Stadium – premier athletics venue and home to the Birchfield Harriers 

• Birmingham BMX Race Track  

• Children’s Playground 

• Perry Bar Skatepark 

• 5 and 2 kilometre walking routes 

• Friends of Perry Park 

Public Transport Links  

• Birmingham New Street Train Station 

• Perry Barr 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: