Some interesting walks in Birmingham and The West Midlands

The Birmingham area, including the city centre, has some great options for walks or hikes. I have put together this guide of walks I have enjoyed in the greater West Midlands area. There is a diversity of terrain, including urban routes, canals, hills and some county parks.

Walking is an excellent form of exercise and one I very much enjoy. I get out frequently to walk the dog and seek alternative routes to keep life interesting. I hope this guide inspires others to explore different places locally, like you would while travelling.

West Midlands Walks & Hiking Routes

Some Birmingham and West Midlands walks and hiking routes that I have enjoyed and would recommend.

Edgbaston Reservoir a Great Circular Walk

Sunset at Edgbaston reservoir

Edgbaston Reservoir is a fantastic lake to have a walk around with some splendid views. The path around the edges is flat and well maintained. Thus is an easier walking route.You can see lots of wildlife in the lake, including grebes, geese, ducks and more.

There are a few picnic tables on the site, which are a brilliant spot to rest, have a drink, or enjoy some sustenance. I recommend visiting in the hour before sunset on a clear day to enjoy the amazing reflections. You can get to the Reservoir from the city centre via the canal network.

Canal Walks

New Main Line Canal  Birmingham Walking Route

There are miles of canals in the West Midlands, thus a great place for a walk. My Birmingham Canals page highlights many of the sections running through the city.

However, the Digbeth Branch, Main Line and the canal towards Worcester are some of my favourite sections. The Canal and River Trust has a map of the city’s canal network on for you to peruse.

Netherton Tunnel & Titanic Anchor Walk

Views from Blow Cold Bank

This is a fascinating area for a walk in nature reserves and on the canals. The Netherton Tunnel is very long, however the surrounding canals near the entrance are lovely to explore. The area has lush countryside, splendid views and some Victorian relics, including a pump house.

The nearby town has a replica of the legendary titanic anchor that they originally built locally. This area is a great place to explore with or with a dog.

Lickey Hills & Beacon Hill

Climb up Beacon Hill

Located to the southwest of the city is the stunning Lickey Hills, a great place for hiking in the countryside. This is in Worcestershire, however easy to reach on the bus from Birmingham. Lickey Hills have many hiking routes through some beautiful countryside. This area is special in the Autumn when the trees are falling from the forest’s trees.

If you like a good climb, the Beacon Hill Toposcope is a brilliant point to head towards. The building at the top is interesting, the trails are great and there are views of the Birmingham skyline on the horizon.

Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield

In the nearby town of Sutton Coldfield, is the big Sutton Park. The park is on a hill with mixed terrain, including meadows and woodland. There are many walking routes to choose from here to suit all abilities.

Sutton Park

Sutton Park is popular with walkers and others enjoying some alfresco eating. The park is beautiful and fun to explore. It is easy to get too. The entrance is very close to the town’s railway station. This line has frequent trains into Birmingham New Street station.

The Cemeteries of The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham

Keyhill Cemetery Bluebells

The Jewellery Quarter has two heritage cemeteries in proximity. Both are great places for a wander around, with lots of interesting things to see. Depending on the time of year, you may see snowdrops, bluebells or the leaves falling during autumn. This is a great circular walking route in all seasons. However, it’s also a brilliant spot to enjoy the sun as it goes down.

Digbeth Street Art a Great Urban Walk

Street Art Digbeth Walk

Digbeth is a unique place with lots of interesting buildings and a viaduct running through it. However, they adorn many of the buildings here with spectacular street art, thus making it a very colourful urban walk. The areas near the Custard Factory and floodgate street are very nice, however the entire area is very colourful.

Cannon Hill Park

Sunset at Cannon Hill Park

A very nice park in the Moseley area of Birmingham, with plenty to see while exploring. There are historic buildings, lakes, wildlife and nicely landscaped gardens in Cannon Hill Park.

There is a cafe and other attractions to distract you from the walk, including a boating lake and crazy golf. However, this is a great place for a stroll in the park and if up for it along the River Rea towards Pebble Mill Playing Fields.

Circular Walk in Leasowes Park Halesowen

Leasowe Park a great walk near Birmingham

On the X10 bus route, from Birmingham, is the beautiful Leasowes Park. The park has woodland, ornate features and a canal runs through it too. The park has an interesting history too, this dates back to the 16th-century.

There are trails through the woods and around the lake, which are striking during the autumn months. There are circular walks here that start and end at the car park or bus stop. Your choice.

Earlswood Lakes a Circular Walk in the West Midlands

Windmill Pool View

On the Birmingham-Warwickshire border is some stunning countryside, including the Lakes at Earlswood. Right next door is some woodland and some great hiking trails through the countryside. Hike from The Lakes to Wythall.

City Centre Churches Walk

St Paul's Church in The Jewellery Quarter.

There are four significant churches and cathedrals in or near the city centre making up this walk. They include two cathedrals and two churches. St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter is a pleasant building in a square surrounded by Georgian Buildings. A great place for a mooch before setting off towards St Chad’s Cathedral.

St Chad’s Cathedral is a distinct red church built in the gothic revival style. From St Chad’s, you head up Snow Hill through the highrise buildings of the CBD towards St Philip’s Cathedral. St Phillips is an Italian-inspired building in a park, known locally as pigeon park. From here you traverse the city centre towards the bullring to visit St Martin in the Bullring Church. This is the oldest in the city and is very picturesque.

This is not a long walk, however, it is a great route to enjoy through Birmingham City Centre.

The Birmingham Tolkien Trail

If you enjoyed The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, the Birmingham “Tolkien Trail” is worth checking out. The trail leads through places JRR Tolkien lived or was influential on him, thus supposedly influenced his writing. This route is a great walk, however you can make it shorter by getting public transport between Moseley and Edgbaston or making it into tow walks.

The trail covers two parts of the city Edgbaston and the rest in the Moseley area of the city. This trail includes.

Sarehole Mill represents the Old Mill in the Hobbit. Nowadays it is a restored 18th-century working mill with a Victorian bakehouse to buy bread from. It also has Tolkien exhibits for visitors to see. Wake Green Road was his childhood home which is near to the mill.

Moseley bog is a lovely place to visit for a walk in the woods. This was inspiration for The Old Forest in the Hobbit.

Edgbaston Waterworks Tower - Tolkien Trail

Edgbaston Waterworks Tower is near to the reservoir and an interesting building to see. This has similarities to Minas Morgul, which was the home of The Witch King in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Perrott's Folly on the Tolkien Trail

Just up the road from the waterworks tower is Perrott’s Folly, a lovely building. Perrott’s Folly is a Grade II listed building and inspired the Orthanc, the home of Saruman.

The Oratory

The Oratory is a lovely Catholic church and is where Tolkien spent a lot of time getting an education.

The Plough & Harrow pub is a nice place to visit for a drink and follow in Tolkien’s footsteps. He stayed here with his wife before being sent to France to fight in The Great War. There is a blue plague on the pub making the fact.

Walking checklist

Some items that I advise you carry with you for longer walks in the area.

  • Mobile Phone – In case of emergency, also most modern ones have maps in case you get lost.
  • Camera – A camera or phone that can take photos is great for capturing memories, and you never know you might happen upon something great.
  • Water – Keeping hydrated is important at all times of the year, so a very important item. However, if you are with a dog, a bottle of water and a small bowl is a good idea.
  • Suitable Shoes – Wearing shoes that are comfortable and suitable for the weather is important. If walking in the hilly off-road areas, boots with more support would be ideal.
  • Suitable Clothes – Wearing appropriate clothes for the predicted weather is important. However, carrying an extra layer and waterproof jacket might be a good idea if on a longer hike.
  • Sunscreen – An important product to protect your skin while out in the sun.
  • Money – Cash or card to pay for unexpected things or treat yourself while out.
  • Food – For an energy boost or a relaxing picnic.
  • Poo Bags – If walking the dog, as per usual, these are essential to keep parks nice.

Walking in West Midlands Review

There are many options in Birmingham and the West Midlands, from the countryside to interesting urban walks. These can be any length to suit your ability or interests. I still have many routes and parks to explore and open to suggestions.

What’s your favourite walk in the area? Comment below.

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