Outdoor activities - Birmingham to King's Norton Park

Type of route: Traffic-calmed streets and canal towpath
Length: 7 miles one-way
Gradient: Easy
Time needed: One hour each way
Access: Birmingham and King’s Norton Railway Stations
National Cycle Network route numbers: 5, 81, 44

Starting from the Tourist Information Centre, Chamberlain Square in central Birmingham, you head out on the Rea Valley route, on the towpath of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal towards King’s Norton Park where there is a children’s play park.  

There is also the popular option of taking a short detour and visiting Cadbury World, where you can learn the history of chocolate making at this site and stock up on some delicious snacks for your journey home!

More cycling around the region

Whatever your skills or stamina there is a cycle ride for you in the Heart of England. Country lanes and tow-paths meander through market towns and villages offering great places to stop for a bite to eat or mooch around an antiques shop. From a 100-mile cycle epic to a gentle potter around, or steep valley sides to flat easy riding, there isn't an excuse not to get on your bike and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the region.

Visit the website of Wheely Wonderful Cycling (www.wheelywonderfulcycling.co.uk/), the Heart of England's award-winning cycle holiday company providing over 50 cycling holidays in Shropshire & Herefordshire for more ideas and information. Shropshire tempts with demanding hills and valleys to keep the most dedicated mountain biker happy. Herefordshire provides cyclists with the chance to follow the Cider Cycling Route and discover how traditional cider is made. 

In Warwickshire you can retrace the steps of Shakespeare in some of Britain's prettiest landscape whilst sampling local food and drink, but for solitude head to the Peak District in Staffordshire with its endless views and windswept breathtaking landscape.