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. 

🚲 Selly Oak – Lifford Loop

A delightful route in nature mostly traffic-free, exploring canals, greenways, parks, a tree lined cycleway and hidden gems including Lifford Reservoir and Dawberry Fields neighbourhood park. 

Notes 

• Shared paths and canal towpath – share with care. 

• A few canal bridges to navigate that you will need to get off and push over. 

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Selly Oak retail park / high street at start or end.  

• Stirchley high street can be accessed at multiple points along the route for cafés and shops.  

• Midlands Arts Centre  

Points of Interest 

• Worcester and Birmingham Canal towpath – a scenic section of canal with great wildlife. Spot the Canada Geese, Cormorants, Grey Herons, Kingfishers and Mallard Ducks.  

• Lifford Reservoir – a hidden oasis of calm with Canada Geese, Great Crested Grebes, Mallard Ducks, Moorhens, Mute Swans, Bream, Carp, Eels, Perch, Pike, Roach, Tench and Pipistrelle Bats. 

• Birmingham Wildlife Conservation park

• A38 Cycle way – tree-lined, segregated, traffic free cycle way.   

• University Campus – Museums, Old Joe – world’s tallest freestanding clocktower, cafés and University of Birmingham Sports and Fitness. 

Green Spaces 

Rea Valley 

A scenic trail that follows the river Rea through a series of green spaces. It is a key part of National Cycle Network Route 5 and offers a largely traffic-free corridor for walking, wheeling, cycling, and running. 

From source at Waseley Hills to the River Tame by the Spaghetti Junction – Birmingham was founded near the river Rea by an Anglican tribe lead by Beorma. 

Dawberry Fields neighbourhood park – a hidden gem of biodiversity (ancient brook and pond, mature hedges and trees, and a wild grass area – slow worms and common lizards – community garden and various groups). 

• Children’s Playground 

• Skatepark 

Cannon Hill park

One of the premier parks in Birmingham with lots of activities including Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation centre, boating lake, mini-golf and fun park. Also, look out for the scale model of the Elan Valley Reservoirs, Grade II-listed historic bandstand and bridge, Infinite Wave memorial sculpture and 16th Century Golden Lion Inn (under renovation). 

• Park Run   

• Two children’s play areas  

• Tennis courts  

• Walking, running and cycling routes  

• Holders Lane woods   

Hazelwell park 

Open greenspace alongside the River Rea with a children’s playground 

Public Transport Links  

• Selly Oak train station – close to the start/finish  

• Bournville 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: