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. 

🚶Ladywood – Soho Loop

A city centre circular route and gentle escape from the city and into nature, starting in Brindley Place. Expect a scenic, calm canal walk exploring a very green route around the Soho Loop, full of nature and history. We recommend finishing with a stop at the Ikon Gallery and coffee outside, especially when the blossom is out in the Spring.  

Notes 

Birmingham New Mainline Canal & Soho Loop –completely  traffic free 

Using a good surfaced canal towpath this is also a great route for cycling

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Brindley Place – plenty of options here including Medicine Bakery at the Ikon Gallery and Caffé Nero 

• Loaf n Latte, Hooper Street just off the Soho Loop 

• Ju Ju’s Café  

Points of Interest 

• Ikon Gallery  and Café  

• National Sealife Centre or Legoland Discovery 

• Oozells Square (blossom trees in Spring) 

• Great Canal Oochard 

• Black British History is British History sculpture – a multi-layered metal monument along the Soho Loop Canal celebrating over 2,000 years of Black heritage in the UK and highlights the profound contributions of Black Britons to society  

• Asylum Bridge 

Green Spaces 

All Saints Park

• Playground 

• All-weather cricket square 

• Basketball court 

Public Transport Links  

• Bus number 126 (Sheepcote Street) 

• Bus Number 9, 10, 12, 13, 23, 24, 126, X8, and X10 (Broadstreet) 

• Metro stop BR5/6/7 

• New Street 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: