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. 

🚶 Edgbaston – Wildlife Wandering

Suitable for walking or cycling this is a circular route taking in the fabulous Harborne Greenway, learn about the heritage of the old railway line and industrial links to the canal, cafe pitstop at 1mile where you have the option to retrace your steps back to the start making it a shorter 2mile route or continue along the treelined greenway to Summerfield Park and Edgbaston Reservoir – home to weekly Park Run, Birmingham sailing / water sports, Birmingham Settlement’s Nature and wellbeing Centre and great city skyline views.  

Notes 

• Avoid steps into reservoir by diverting along Selwyn Road and using the entrance on Rotton Park Road 

• Cafe pitstop at 1mile where you have the option to retrace your steps back to the start making it a shorter 2mile route

• Alternative start points would be Hagley Road – Via Bus no. 9/126 or Icknield Port Road – Via Bus no. 80 and a shorter walk distance.  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Harborne Highstreet – Many options including Coffee Tales, Boston Tea Party, Paul @No41, Arco Lounge.  

• The Steam Room, Harborne– just off the walkway 

• Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing Centre – Edgbaston Reservoir (Check open times) 

• Reservoir Cafe – Edgbaston Reservoir 

Points of Interest 

• Harbourne Walkway – Nature, wildlife and heritage. Learn about the old railway line and industrial links to the canal

• The Moor Pool Estate – Local heritage site just off the route 

• Waterworks Tower and Perrott’s Folly – Looking across the reservoir you can see two towers just poking out of the tops of the tress. These hidden heritage sites are thought to be the inspiration for one of the Two Towers in J.R.R Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Find out more via the links below:  

Green Spaces 

Edgbaston Reservoir

Open water surrounded by woodland and nature with a good, surfaced path all the way around making it suitable for all. Walking, running, cycling, pushchair friendly. Get involved with:  

• Parkrun 

• Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing Centre activities 

• 2.8k walking route 

• Birmingham Rowing Club 

• Midland Sailing Club 

• Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir Group  

Harborne Walkway

A tree lined traffic-free trail following an old railway line connecting Harborne to Summerfield Park.  

• Community Group – Friends of Harborne Walkway

 Summerfield Park  

Large greenspace, playground, tennis and basketball court, football and cricket pitch.   

Public Transport Links  

• Bus Number 19/23/24/48/55/822 – Harborne Highstreet (Grays Road) 

• Bus Number 80 Icknield Port Road  

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: