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. 

🚲 Yardley – Traffic free circular – Kingfisher Route  

A fantastic route for all the family. Taking you out to see the planes at the airport viewing area with lots to explore along the way including nature reserves, adventure playgrounds, country parks, urban city farm and shops, there’s something for everyone! You might even spot a Kingfisher – Expect a traffic free circular route using greenways, parks and canals.  

Notes 

• Urban escape into nature, traffic free route on shared paths  

• A moderate ride with a longer distance of 15 miles however still enjoyable if done at your own pace over a whole day with multiple stops along the way 

• If you’re looking for a shorter route, we suggest choosing one or two highlights to visit and use the route to help plan your journey. For example, following the route to Meriden Park, then retracing the route back the way you came would be a 4mile round trip.  

• Some uneven/bumpy surfaces over old canal bridges  

• Be aware of steps/tricky bike ramp you will need to navigate to access canal  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Various options just off route in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre 

• Sheldon Country Park – Tea Room  

• Shops/food – at both crossings of the Coventry Road & Hob Moor Rd 

• Stechford Retail Park – Station Rd  

• Bike Shop – Cycle King Yardley, Coventry Rd  

Points of Interest 

• Meriden Park adventure playground 

• Urban city farm and tearoom at Sheldon Country Park,  

• Birmingham Airport – Plane viewing area 

• Blakesley Hall – Just off Route  

Green Spaces 

Kingfisher Country Park – A nature reserve along the River Cole, expect a variety of wildlife, woodland and lakes. 

Babbs Mill – Another local nature reserve along the River Cole with a great lake, wildflower grasslands and woodland. 

• Basketball court 

• Children’s play area 

• Football pitch 

• Parkrun – Saturday mornings  

• Skate park  

• Table tennis 

• Walking trails 

Meriden Park – Meriden Park local nature reserve with lake and river walks, mature woodland  

• Adventure playground 

• Children’s play area 

• Lake and river walks 

• Parkour facility 

• Skate park 

• Table tennis 

• Tennis courts 

Alcott Wood a local nature reserve and  woodland 

Sheldon Country Park – Lots to see and do including stopping for some plane spotting at the Birmingham Airport Viewpoint, ‘countryside in the city’ with Community orchard, flowers grassland, wetland, mature woodland and an urban city farm right next to the airport. 

• Children’s playground 

• Demonstration farm  

• Football pitches 

• Hard-surfaced nature trail suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs  

• Five kilometre walking route (Solihull Way) 

Grand Union Canal – a short section of the longest canal in the UK linking Birmingham to London (137 miles in total!) 

Cole Valley Route a well surfaced, well signposted green, traffic free route alone the Rive Cole. 

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: