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 – Peaceful Waterways and Hidden Gems

Worcester & Birmingham canal is a fantastic stretch of towpath offering a traffic-free route into Birmingham city centre. Immerse yourself in nature, find hidden gems and great views. Be sure not to miss our recommended stops along the way. First, you will pass Selly Oak retail park and high-street. Stop for a bit of shopping or lunch then continue over The Ariel Aqueduct, elevated above the busy road below with great views. Exiting the canal at Birmingham University campus you can find the world’s tallest freestanding clock tower with nesting Peregrine Falcons, meet Roary the Allosaurus dinosaur at Lapworth Museum of Geology or visit Barber Institute of Fine Arts. Retrace your steps back to the canal. Leave the canal at The Vale onto the University grounds to find a lovely lake and peaceful greenspace to explore or take a rest. Continuing along the canal towpath you will reach Gas Street Canal Basin and the Mailbox – another opportunity to stop for refreshments or retail therapy. The route finishes at the amazing Birmingham Library in Centenary Square. The highlight and reward at the end of this route is visiting the ‘secret garden’ located on the 7th floor of the library. This free-to-access rooftop garden has stunning panoramic views of the city. 

Notes 

• Suitable for cycling or walking

• A lovely, flat route perfect for all the family.  

• Abundance of wildlife including Mallard Ducks, Canada Geese, Herons and Kingfishers 

• So many great places to stop, a fab day out. Enjoy! 

• University canal exit has steps with narrow cycle ramp to push bikes up. 

• The canal path is a shared route with a couple of narrow sections – share with care. 

• Good train links at multiple points along the route – New Street station is close to the finish to return to start if needed.  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Selly Oak retail park and high street 

• Coffee and food stops at the University Campus (check open hours) 

• Gas Street Basin/Mailbox 

• Chamberlin Square and Symphony Hall  

• The Exchange – café with ongoing events and exhibitions 

• Bike Shops – Bike Foundry, Venture Bikes, Evans Cycles 

Points of Interest 

• ‘Old Joe’ – The Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower on the University of Birmingham campus is the tallest clock tower in the UK – peregrine falcons nest here 

• Lapworth Museum of Geology – Explore earth’s history and evolution, everything from rocks to dinosaurs and volcanoes. Meet Rory, a 5-metre-high replica Allosaurus skeleton. Free entry. 

• Barber Institute of Fine Arts – Gallery and concert hall – Currently closed for refurbishments

• University of Birmingham Sports and Fitness  

• Gas Street Basin – the heart of Birmingham’s canal systems 

• Mailbox – cinema, luxury retail and canal side café/bars/restaurants  

• Symphony Hall – Concert hall, café, shops

• Library of Birmingham – largest public library in Europe. The Shakespeare Memorial Room and Free ‘secret’ roof garden on Level 7

Green Spaces 

The Vale Lake – peaceful greenspace part of the University Campus. A nature spot and home to lots of wildfowl. Spot the tufted ducks.  

Public Transport Links  

• Bournville train station (Start) 

• Selly Oak train station  

• University station  

• Birmingham New Street station (End) 

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: