Birmingham
West Midlands Cycle Routes: A Guide to the Best 14 Trails!
West Midlands Cycle Routes: A Guide to the Best 14 Trails!
Harborne Walkway by Tony Hisgett under license CC BY-SA 4.0
In this post we highlight some of the best West Midlands cycling routes from the city of Birmingham to the surrounding area, including well-maintained cycle paths and mountain bike trails! Cycling around the West Midlands is a great way to see the county. Not only do you get to experience all the sights and sounds of the area, but you also get a good workout in while at it. Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly way to get around, and with Birmingham’s wide streets and scenic parks, there’s no better place to start your cycling journey than right here in the heart of England. So what are you waiting for? Come on over to the West Midlands and start cycling today!
You can take the scenic route out from Birmingham city centre along the Rea Valley route, see the parks that Birmingham has to offer along the 3 Parks Cycle route or test your mountain biking skills at Cannock Chase!
Cycling in the West Midlands: The Ultimate Routes You Need To Try!
The table above lists all the best cycling routes around the West Midlands. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.
There's no better way to explore the West Midlands than on two wheels! Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel.
River Cole Valley
The River Cole Valley route offers a scenic and easy way to explore the many green spaces within Birmingham. The flat path makes it suitable for all levels of cyclists. The route follows alongside the River Cole, which provides a scenic ride for the duration of the route. The trail runs around 10 miles and is an enjoyable way to see many parts of the city.
Rea Valley Cycle Route, Stirchley, Birmingham by P L Chadwick under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Rea Valley
This scenic ride through the Rea Valley will take you on a journey that links Birmingham City Centre with Cannon Hill and King's Norton Parks. The route is popular for its traffic-free nature, which makes it one of the city's most used cycling routes. The route extends onto quieter roads after the traffic free section if you want to continue on your journey after the park at Cannon Hill.
Merritts Brook Greenway
The Merritts Brook Greenway is an off-carriageway walking and cycling route that passes through Bournville, Stirchley and Kings Heath. The all weather shared use paths run through many green spaces and is a suitable ride for the family. Not a long route but one that is an easy to follow with sign posts along the way.
Harborne Walkway
The Harborne Walkway starts at Summerfield Park and follows a disused railway line to Harborne. The trail is well-surfaced, making it easy for both cycling and running; it's a well-used route so you'll have plenty of company during peak hours! You can get plenty of exercise on this 4-mile out-and-back trail which provides a safe cycle ride through the city.
Woodgate Valley Route
Take a cycle through the delightful Woodgate Valley Country Park in Birmingham. The 450-acre park contains rich meadows, woodland, and small ponds to explore on your journey. There's also an excellent visitor center where you can learn more about this beautiful area and take a well-deserved break from the saddle!
3 Parks Cycle Route
You can enjoy a beautiful 5-mile traffic-free cycle ride on the 3 Parks Cycle Route between Elmdon and Meriden Parks in Solihull, and the beautiful Sheldon Country Park. This peaceful area offers plenty for cyclists including open grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands filled with mature trees and scenery aplenty!
Birmingham to Sutton Park
The Exmoor ponies at Sutton Park are a beautiful reminder that nature can still be found in urban areas. This short eight-mile cycle route from Birmingham City Centre to Sutton Park allows you to see some of the most beautiful parts of the area. Following the National Cycle Network Route 535, this journey takes you along the many canals of the city and is a popular route used by many.
Birmingham to Wolverhampton
This 15-mile route takes you from near New Street Station in Birmingham on a canal towpath all the way to Wolverhampton. Along this stretch, visitors will find themselves surrounded by history as they explore what is left of the old industrial area that was the power house of the West Midlands.
Pype Hayes Park to New Hall Valley
The 5-mile route between Pype Hayes Park and New Hall Valley Country Park provides an excellent opportunity for nature lovers to see what the area has to offer, as you'll travel along the National Cycle Network Route 534 with plenty of opportunities to stop for a break along the way. The beautiful New Hall Valley Country Park at the end of the route is a welcome sight after your bike ride and a place to rest and take in the tranquility of this conservation site.
Coventry Canal Towpath Trail: Hawkesbury Junction by Amanda Slater under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Coventry Canal Towpath
Have you ever wanted to get away from the hustle and bustles of city life? The Coventry Canal towpath offers just that. This hidden green corridor can be used for commuting or a leisurely bike ride with family or friends, providing an ideal escape route without having to travel far to get there!
MTB: Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase Forest is a great place for everyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you're just starting out on your first bike or looking to take it up another notch, there are trails of all levels that will suit any skill level in this beautiful forest landscape. From relaxing family rides through picturesque woodland as well challenging single-tracks like Follow The Dog and the Monkey Trail, you can easily spend a whole afternoon riding here!
MTB: Sherwood Pines
Sherwood Pines is a great place for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're looking to get in touch with nature on two wheels or take your family on a ride downhill; Sherwood Pines has it all! You can choose from three different trails that are way-marked so there's no risk of getting lost in this beautiful forest.
MTB: Long Mynd
If you’re looking for something a little bit wilder than the usual trail centres found all over the United Kingdom then the Long Mynd in Shropshire could be your answer. Spend a whole day on the mountain bike taking in the beauty of Long Mynd for an experience not found anywhere else close to the city.
MTB: Malvern Hills
If you are looking for an incredible outdoor activity with breathtaking views and plenty of adrenaline-rush then I’d recommend checking out the Malvern Hills on your mountain bike. It is perfect way to explore this iconic landscape and with signposted trails, you could follow the route taking in all the scenery the area has to offer!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best cycle routes in the West Midlands. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the links below:
Free Things to do in Birmingham
Forest Walks in the West Midlands
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (15/08/22) licensed under the Open Government License.