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. 

🚶 Hall Green & Moseley – Parks, Pools & Joyful Woods 

You will find Tolkien tales and terrapins on this gentle 4 mile walk from Sarehole Mill. It’s made up of two loops, you have the option of cutting the route in the middle to shorten if needed. Choose a walk around Moseley Bog, Trittiford Mill Park or both. The Moseley Bog loop offers the possibility of spending hours exploring, picnicking and discovering the nature spot said to have inspired J R R Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The other loop takes you along the nature rich greenways of the John Morris Jones Way running alongside the River Cole and through the Dingles to Trittiford Pool where you might meet the local terrapins or get distracted by the abundance of birds and wildlife. However, you choose to explore this route it will be a joyful stroll in nature enjoyed by all.  

Notes 

• Best for walking

• A scenic nature walk exploring author JRR Tolkien’s childhood playground  

• Great for adults and families with lots to see and do along the way 

• Local hidden gems and a tranquil green space  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Co-Op – near the start at the Cole Bank Rd/Wake Grenn Rd roundabout 

• Cafe & shops – near Yardley Wood Train Station 

Points of Interest 

• Sarehole Mill – Heritage site with working mill with small forest area and mill pond to explore. Charges apply to enter the mill but grounds are free to visit. Learn more about the heritage site here. 

• Abundance of wildlife throughout the route, with lots of spots to stop and explore 

Green Spaces 

Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground  

• Open greenspace  

• Walking routes 

• River Cole 

• Wildlife – including kingfishers, woodpeckers and sparrowhawks 

• Sarehole Mill  

Moseley Bog and Joys Wood –  Local nature reserve, conservation area and heritage site.  

• Great walking trails with boardwalk 

• Accessible route suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs 

• Fantastic displays of bluebells in the spring 

• Connections to J R R Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings 

Shire Country Park – A green oasis of open and wooded space including The Dingles and John Morris Jones Way with woodland and winding walks creating a traffic free corridor for walking, wheeling, cycling, and running. See  

Trittiford Mill Park  

• Open greenspace and mill pool  

• A conservation site rich in waterfowl, fish and a variety of bird species  

• Terrapins regularly spotted sunbathing on logs in the mill pool.  

• Walking trails and art murals  

Public Transport Links  

• Bus Number 5 or 11C Outer Circle  

• Hall Green Train Station 

• Yardley Wood 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: