Marston Green to Elmdon Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Bickenhill and Marston Green (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This circular trail from Marston Green Station takes you through two country parks, past the airport runway, through woodland, open parkland and lakes. Discover a different side of surburban life, with a trail packed with plane spotting, heritage and a surprising amount of green space!
Olton to Shirley Railway Stations, Rail Trails
Departure from Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail from Olton follows the towpath along the Grand Union Canal to Tyseley, before turning on to the River Cole and taking you through the four mile long Shire Country Park – Tolkein country – and on into Shirley. You can detour at a couple of points to finish at Hall Green or Yardley Wood stations. As you leave Olton station you’ll see the Saxon King on Horse stainless steel sculpture.
Hampton-in-Arden Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Hampton in Arden (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail takes you on mainly tarmacked surfaces out of Hampton-in-Arden, across the River Blythe to the Marsh Lane Nature Reserve before returning to the village. Mentioned in Domesday Book, Hampton is now a popular commuter village and also boasts Solihull’s only Michelin-starred restaurant – Peel’s at Hampton Manor. There are plenty of hints of its antiquity in the well preserved 17th century timbered houses of the village.
Middleton Circular
Departure from Middleton CP (Warwickshire)
Pleasant mainly flat circular walk starting and ending at a pub.
From Meriden, Millenium Way
Departure from Meriden (West Midlands Combined Authority)
Our walk starts from the medieval stone cross on the village green in Meriden, which reputedly marks the centre of England. This circular walk incorporates the most northerly part of the Millennium Way, joined by a short link through the delightful village of Berkswell, with its lovely cafe. It is amazing to be on such lovely countryside only a few miles from the West Midlands conurbation. HS2 is only encountered for a short section. This is walk 40 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
Meriden to Kenilworth, Millenium Way
Departure from Meriden (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This is the 7th section of the Millenium Way 100 miles from Meriden to Kenilworth.
Solihull Railway Station to Malvern and Brueton Park, Rail Trails
Departure from Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail takes you through Solihull town centre with lovely views of St. Alphege Church, through two beautiful parks and along a stretch of the River Blythe. Keep an eye out for the 15th century Manor House on the high street, the Joseph Boehm statue in Malvern Park, and the blue tits, woodpeckers, long-tailed tits and nuthatches at Parkridge Nature Reserve.
Birmingham canals
Departure from Birmingham (West Midlands Combined Authority)
A circular walk along Birmingham canals, between old and new buildings. Ideal walk to photograph some unusual places and buildings.
Gas Street Basin & The Bull Ring, Birmingham
Departure from Birmingham (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This stroll explores the modern face of the City of Birmingham with a peep into its past. The start is outside the Council House in Victoria Square.
Aston Junction & Millennium Point, Birmingham
Departure from Birmingham (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This walk explores the Industrial and canal heritage in Britain's second city, Birmingham. In addition the route includes some of the modern additions to Birmingham's history including the Bull Ring Shopping Centre.
Brindley Place & the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
Departure from Birmingham (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This walk in Birmingham takes you through some modern redevelopment that is based around Birmingham's heritage before continuing to visit an area that has much heritage on offer but is still in use for its original purpose. The latter area is the Jewellery Quarter which even today is a fascinating place to explore.
Farmer's Bridge Locks & Centenary Sq, Birmingham
Departure from Birmingham (West Midlands Combined Authority)
A look at the industrial heritage of the City of Birmingham. This city walk explores the northwestern sector of central Birmingham.
From Barston
Departure from Barston (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This walk on the southern edge of the West Midlands explores some pleasant countryside and also follows a section of the Millennium Way long distance path.
Barston & Balsall Common, Millenium Way
Departure from Barston (West Midlands Combined Authority)
A short circular walk from the picturesque village of Barston through the outskirts of Balsall Common. Enjoy open countryside and the delights of the Warwickshire landscape, while being very close to Birmingham. This is walk 4 from the 44 circulars composing the Millenium Way.
Widney Manor to Dorridge Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail takes you through areas of Solihull’s suburbia and countryside, crossing the M42. Along this trail you’ll also cross the River Blythe, one of the richest rivers in lowland England and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
West from Berkswell, Millenium Way
Departure from Berkswell (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This circular walk starts from Berswell. Almost half of this delightful walk across the countryside uses a section of the MILLENNIUM WAY, with its distinctive black and white waymarkers. This is the walk 11 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
East from Berkswell - Millenium Way
Departure from Berkswell (West Midlands Combined Authority)
An enjoyable short walk which takes in some attractive countryside and farmland. No sign of HS2! Mostly flat with dog-friendly gates & stiles.This the walk 3 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
Shirley to The Lakes Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (West Midlands Combined Authority)
On this trail from Shirley you’ll follow the tranquil towpath of the Stratford- upon-Avon Canal, cross Christmas tree plantations, farmland and forests, and skirt Dickens Heath before reaching Earlswood Lakes.
From Balsall Common, Millenium Way
Departure from Balsall (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This circular walk meanders across mostly flat farmland & open countryside. Take time to explore Berkswell with it's historic church, in particular the fascinating underground crypt, find the village green and the stocks. This is walk 12 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
Berkswell Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Berkswell (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail takes you through countryside and farmland to the historic village of Berkswell where you’ll spot several 16th and 17th century houses as well as the 16th century Bear Inn and Grade 1 listed, church of St. John the Baptist. Famous for its Norman crypt, it is considered amongst the finest in the country. Outside the church is Bercul’s Well legendarily used for full immersion baptisms as far back as the 8th century.
Whitlocks End to Shirley Railway Stations, Rail Trails
Departure from Tidbury Green (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail is a short walk between the stations of Shirley and Whitlock’s End, passing by Dicken’s Heath. The route takes you through farmland, a Christmas Tree plantation and crosses the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.
Dorridge to Lapworth Railway Stations, Rail Trails
Departure from Metropolitan Borough of Solihull (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail takes you between Dorridge and Lapworth railway stations via the Grand Union Canal towpath. An alternative finish allows you to extend the walk along the Stratford upon Avon Canal too.
Heronfield / Temple Balsall, Millenium Way
Departure from Chadwick End (West Midlands Combined Authority)
During the early part of the walk you will follow a short section of the Millennium Way along the Grand Union Canal and, after walking some delightful open, flat countryside, will rejoin it at Temple Balsall. Here you may wish to take a short detour to visit the church of St Mary at Temple Balsall which has connections with the Knights Templar. This is walk 32 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
Tile Hill Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Coventry (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This trail explores the remaining areas of woodland from what was once part of the great Forest of Arden. Historically this was an area of scattered farmsteads, mostly belonging to the Stoneleigh Estate. You’ll still see occasional older buildings amongst the modern development as well as the plaque which marks the site of the former Massey Ferguson Factory.
Wythall to Shirley Railway Stations, Rail Trails
Departure from Wythall CP (Worcestershire)
This trail is a linear walk between the stations of Wythall and Shirley. A wander through the pasture and meadows around the outer Shirley suburbs of Major’s Green and Hollywood (once a wood with some holly in it – no connection with Los Angeles!). Eyes peeled for the Iron Age hillfort!
If spending a little time in Wythall, check out the extensive collections of buses and battery electric vehicles at the Transport Museum or explore the 37 acres of Wythall Park. On the trail you’ll pass the Berry Mound Iron Age Hill Fort and nearby Berry Mound Pastures, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Clowes Wood and Terry's Pool from Wythall Station
Departure from Wythall CP (Worcestershire)
A walk starting and returning to Wythall Station, with opportunities to explore further. Fifty species of birds breed here in the woods. Wildflowers to be seen include bluebell, lily of the valley, cow-wheat, and bilberry. The Earlswood Lakes were constructed in the 1820s to provide water to the Stratford upon Avon canal. The labour force included prisoners of war from the Napoleonic wars.
Burton Green & Beechwood, Millenium way
Departure from Burton Green (Warwickshire)
This circular walk covers a delightful area of Warwickshire countryside between Coventry and Balsall Common, crossing fairly flat farmland, some woodland and quiet lanes. This is walk 30 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
Earlswood Lakes, Terry's Pool and Clowes Wood
Departure from Tidbury Green (West Midlands Combined Authority)
Easy to moderate loop along the lakes and into the woods, ideal for wildlife and train spotting. An alternative and easier route is available avoiding the woodland part.
From Meer End and Kenilworth Castle, Millenium Way
Departure from Balsall (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This walk goes across mostly flat open countryside, but incorporating an interesting church, pleasant woodland and the delightful Kenilworth castle. It is a very pleasant introduction to The Millennium Way, which is noticeable by our distinctive black and white waymarkers. This is walk 43 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
From Meer End and Kenilworth Castle, Millenium Way
Departure from Balsall (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This walk goes across mostly flat open countryside, but incorporating an interesting church, pleasant woodland and the delightful Kenilworth castle. It is a very pleasant introduction to The Millennium Way, which is noticeable by our distinctive black and white waymarkers. This is the short version walk 43 from the 44 composing the Millenium Way.
Earlswood to Wythall Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Tidbury Green (West Midlands Combined Authority)
This short linear trail passes through Kidpile Farm and Fulford Heath, crosses the River Cole and skirts the James Braid designed Fulford Golf Course into Wythall.
The Lakes to Earlswood Railway Station, Rail Trails
Departure from Stratford-on-Avon (Warwickshire)
This is a scenically varied walk between The Lakes and Earlswood railway stations. You’ll take in all three reservoirs making up Earlswood Lakes - and pass through Clowes Wood & New Fallings Coppice.
More walks in Smith's Wood
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