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. 

🚶 Perry Barr – Parks, Rivers & Canals around Alexander Stadium 

Exploring the nature rich areas and greenspaces around Alexander Stadium, expect wildflower meadows, orchards, flower beds, ponds and opportunities for outdoor activities, exercise and community sports groups to join. This is a gentle walk taking time to appreciate the calm of nature within the urban environment of Perry Barr. 

Notes 

• Easy, flat walk in parks and along canals suitable for all the family 

• Accessing local nature hubs and green spaces 

Cafés / Pitstops 

• Bringing a picnic highly recommended 

• Shops/food available on Walsall Road – just off route  

• Options available just outside Kingsdown Park/Old Walsall Rd 

Points of Interest 

• Alexander Stadium – the largest athletics stadium in the United Kingdom. 

• Birmingham BMX track  

• Tame Valley Canal – A breath taking green canal with wonderful bridges and heritage 

• River Tame path – Pleasant urban walk through parks and recreation grounds along side the River Tame 

Green Spaces 

Perry Park  

• Small greenspace with wildlife-stocked reservoir and walking routes. 

• Alexander Stadium – premier athletics venue and home to the Birchfield Harriers 

• Birmingham BMX Race Track  

• Children’s Playground 

• Perry Bar Skatepark 

• 5 and 2 kilometre walking routes 

• Friends of Perry Park 

Perry Hall Park  

• Nature rich greenspace with wildflower meadows, orchards, flower beds, ponds, sensory garden and wildlife 

• River Tame flows through the Perry Hall Park with habitats for wildlife 

• Parkrun – Saturday mornings 

• 11-a-side football pitch 

• 15 cricket pitches 

• Monarchs Cycle Club velodrome 

Kingsdown Park 

Hamstead Playing Fields  

• Children’s play area 

• Parking 

• Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) 

• Three all-weather cricket pitches 

Cherry Orchard Recreation Ground 

Public Transport Links  

• Perry Barr Train Station – close to the start 

• Hamstead Train Station (part way around) 

• Bus Number 51, X51, 52 stopping at Perry Avenue 

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: