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. 

🚲   Sutton Coldfield – Greenspaces & Quiet Roads of Four Oaks & Walmley 

A short 10mile route with a lot to offer. From Sutton Park, Blackroot pool (one of seven polls in the park) this route takes you on a tour of the local area heading out to New Hall Valley Country Park and returning via Four Oaks using quiet roads. Enjoy the green spaces, wildlife havens, local heritage and the tree lined streets around Moor Hall Golf Club before returning to the start, a perfect spot for a waterside picnic or treats at Blackroot Bistro cafe.

Notes 

• Gentle, flat ride using greenways and quiet roads 

• Low traffic route – some road sections after Rectory Park – this is the half way point where you have the option to head back to Sutton Park the way you came for a traffic free route.  

• Continue on low traffic route – avoid the busy road by using the residential street by the houses when travelling along Whithouse Common Rd and be mindful to choose a safe place to cross at the traffic lights.  

• Look for the hidden gate which leads to Moor Hall Drive, a private housing estate with public access for walking and cycling. Enjoy the amazing tree lined streets and wide, low traffic roads which take you through Moor Hall golf club, hotel and spar. 

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Sutton Park – Blackroot Bistro Cafe at start/end of route as well as several options to purchase food and drink around the park. 

• Sutton Coldfield town centre – many options just off route, we suggest Silver Tree Bakery at Gracechurch Shopping Centre and Under Pressure Espresso.   

• The Bark Bistro – Newhall Valley Country Park 

• The Olive Branch Coffee Shop (Grange Lane) 

• Bike Shops – On Your Bike, Boldmere 

Points of Interest 

• Sutton Park  

• New Hall Valley, New Hall Hotel and Spa, New Hall Mill 

• Rectory Park – Hawk and Heron Mural 

• Mere Green Library and Community Centre 

• Four Oaks Baptist Church – great little cafe and regular community events including cycling activities with Bike4Life 

Green Spaces 

Sutton Park – National Nature Reserve and one of the largest urban parks in Europe.  

• Seven lakes  

• Heathland, woodlands, wetlands, and marshes  

• Cattle and wild ponies 

• 2km & 5km walking routes 

• Designated cycle routes using main paths 

• Parkrun – Saturday mornings 

New Hall Valley – New Hall Valley is an award-winning green open space and wildlife haven with historic wetland, grazing meadow and Plants Brook stream. 

• New Hall Mill, one of only two surviving water mills in Birmingham 

• Two children’s playgrounds  

• Picnic area 

• Outdoor exercise trail  

• Numerous walking paths 

• Cycle routes 

• 2km jogging route 

• Wetland boardwalk 

Rectory Park –  family-friendly green haven with fields and woodland.  

• A community hub, home to 3 sports clubs 

• Be sure to look out for the cool mural on the Rectory Boxing Club 

• Children’s play park 

• Sports pitches 

• Outdoor exercise equipment 

• Benches and picnic tables 

• Friends of Rectory Park 

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: