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. 

🚶 Northfield – Nature Discovery

This is a gentle 3 mile walk from Northfield station along the Rea River. The perfect escape from the city. Discover lots of local wildlife as you wander through several nature hotspots including Kings Norton nature reserves and Merecroft pool before arriving at Kings Norton village green where you can stop for a bite to eat, visit a coffee shop or some local heritage sites before enjoying the last section of the route through Kings Norton park to the train station. You can retrace your steps back to the start or jump on the train back to Northfield station.  

For a slightly shorter option (approx. 2 mile round trip) we recommend enjoying a wander up to and around Kings Norton nature reserve (Wychall Road section), bring a picnic, challenge the kids to find the perfect climbing tree then retrace your steps back to the start along the river Rea.  

Notes 

• Best for walking.

• A very scenic nature explorer walk to escape the noise of the city. 

• Great for adult and families alike with lots to do and see along the way.  

• Local hidden gems you will keep returning to for years to come.  

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Shops available at the start  

• Café @ The Old Mill – West Heath Road 

• King Norton village green – cafés, shops and heritage sites 

Points of Interest 

• Heritage sites – Kings Norton church and old grammar school house – Find out more here

• Hidden gem – Merecroft pool and the varied wildlife through the nature reserve 

Green Spaces 

Rea Valley 

A scenic trail that follows the river Rea through a series of green spaces. It is a key part of National Cycle Network Route 5 and offers a largely traffic-free corridor for walking, wheeling, cycling, and running. 

From source at Waseley Hills to the River Tame by the Spaghetti Junction – Birmingham was founded near the river Rea by an Anglican tribe lead by Beorma. 

 Kings Norton park

Park friends group – Friends of Kings Norton Park 

• Children’s playgrounds 

• Fitness equipment / outdoor gym 

• Football pitches  

• Skate park 

Kings Norton local nature reserve

There are varied wildlife habitats – woodland & wetland, riverbanks, open water; birdlife, insects, plant life and hidden gem Merecroft pool – see Friends of Kings Norton nature reserve. 

Public Transport Links  

• Northfield train station  

• Kings Norton train station 

• Bus number 19 or 48 stopping at Northfield station  

• Bus number 18, 19, 45, 47, 49 stopping at Kings Norton 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: