Hiking in Birmingham is even better on these 9 trails
Hiking began for me as a way to get back in shape. My friends were doing it, so I figured I’d do it with them. I enjoyed it, and it turned into a hobby.
Now, I hike biweekly (or at least I try to) or whenever time permits. I’ve hiked so many times that I now know the places to go for the best hikes in Birmingham.
Best part? All the spots I go to are free—no entrance fees, just you and the trail.
Whether it’s for a leisurely walk or a more challenging trek, I’ve got something for those looking to go hiking in Birmingham. So, strap on your hiking boots, grab your bag, and get ready for a great hike.
1. Sutton Park
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Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20089/parks/405/sutton_park
Location: Park Road, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
One of the largest in Europe, Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield shows off fantastic woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands, as well as several scenic lakes.
The first trail I hiked is known as Bracefield Circular. It’s one of several popular hiking routes in Sutton Park, and it’s perfect for beginners. It goes through an open field and will take you around one of the park’s biggest lakes for a three-mile hike.
There are several more trails to take at Sutton Park, including my personal favourite: Wyndley Leisure to Sutton loop. At about 5.5 miles, this trail is moderately challenging but takes you through scenic views, difficult sections, and pretty ponds.
Pro Tip:
Walk on an ancient Roman road by taking a detour to Icknield Street, which connects Gloucester to Derby. It’s accessible from the Hartopp Gate car park when you follow the path leading northwest. It’s also accessible from Streetly Gate.
2. Waseley Hills Country Park
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Location: Gannow Green Lane, Rubery
Contact: +44 156 271 0025
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Waseley Hills is marked by rolling countryside views and well-defined trails.
I like the Rabbit Trail because it’s an easy 2.6-mile trek that takes you to some important landmarks, like Lickey Hills. It also takes you to the start of the River Rea, a small but crucial river in Birmingham.
I’d also recommend the Skylark Trail, especially for beginners. It’s the twin route of Rabbit Trail, as it lets you see the same landmarks, such as Lickey Hills and the green dome of Reaside Hospital.
The Waseley Hills Viewpoint Trail is also nice, even though it’s only 1.5 miles. It’s a rewarding route because it leads to the best areas to admire Worcestershire’s beauty. On a clear day, you might even see Birmingham’s skyline and the Welsh mountains.
Pro Tip:
Waseley’s heathland areas are full of heather. If you can visit sometime in August or September, you’ll see these areas covered by vibrant purple heather, making for some Instagram-worthy photos.
3. Lickey Hills Country Park
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Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20089/parks/406/lickey_hills_country_park
Location: Warren Lane, Rednal
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Lickey Hills Country Park is renowned as the ideal destination to observe a diverse range of wildlife.
Hikers see the park as a haven for great trails. The most popular is the Beacon Hill Walk, a 1.5-mile hike that leads to the Beacon Hill Toposcope. It’s a stone viewpoint that marks the trail’s highest point, where you can see the Malvern Hills.
My favourite is the Warren Hill to Cofton Hill route, a moderately challenging 4-mile hike that leads to Cofton Hill. The route perfectly combines open heathland with steep climbs and rugged terrain. It then ends at one of the less crowded spots in Lickey Hills.
I also like the 2.5-mile Woodpecker Trail. It’s a generally easy and peaceful hike that takes you through ancient oak, birch, and pine trees, with sightings of woodpeckers and owls.
Pro Tip:
After reaching Beacon Hill Toposcope, take a different route back. In particular, follow the unmarked path that leads west as you descend. It’ll take you to a lesser-known ridge trail behind Beacon Hill where you’ll get the best views of Cofton Hill.
4. Newhall Valley Country Park
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Location: H52R+W9, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Newhall Valley Country Park isn’t as popular as Sutton and Waseley, but hikers know better.
I know for certain Newhall is a hiker’s paradise! My favourite is the Plants Brooks Trail, a 2.5-mile route that follows the beautiful Plants Brook stream. I love it because of the scenic views of the free-flowing stream and the wildlife that is present.
If I’m up for a challenge, I’d usually go for the full Newhall loop. It stretches 5 miles and covers every part of the park, from its foreboding woodlands to its scenic meadows and some historic ruins.
The best part for me is that Newhall is largely undiscovered. It’s a hidden gem of sorts, which means it’s rarely crowded, and that makes for a peaceful hike.
Pro Tip:
Plants Brook powered some watermills in 17th-century Birmingham, and you’ll find their ruins along the stream. If you take this route, keep an eye out for millstones, old weirs, and other ruins that are a homage to the city’s past.
5. Moseley Bog Nature Reserve
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Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/moseleybog
Location: Yardley Wood Road, Moseley
Contact: +44 121 523 0094
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Moseley Bog is well-known among hikers and nature lovers. It’s because the forest and its surroundings are reminiscent of those seen in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, marked by moss-covered oak trees bent in unusual shapes and paths.
Put simply, Moseley Bog is nature untouched, which is why it’s my go-to place if I want a nature walk. My favourite is the Hidden Woodland Loop, a 2.8-mile trek that leads deep in the heart of Joy’s Wood.
Often, though, I take the usual Moseley Loop. It’s a hike around the woods that stretches 1.5 miles and spans ancient woodlands, marshy bogs, and boardwalks.
Pro Tip:
A group of volunteers, known as the Friends of Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood, maintains the area and regularly conducts educational tours. Set up a meeting with them to gain a fuller appreciation of the inspiration behind The Lord of the Rings.
6. Edgbaston Reservoir
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Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/reservoir
Location: 115 Reservoir Road, Ladywood
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Edgbaston Reservoir is lined on both sides with woodland and grassland, topping the calm water with rich green colours. These lush greens also serve as a home to a diverse array of birdlife.
I usually just take the circular trail here—a 1.75-mile loop of mostly flat and unobstructed walking around the reservoir. I love this route because it offers a panoramic view of the water and a great view of the Birmingham skyline.
Sometimes, I’d extend my hike to either nearby Summerfield Park or along Icknield Street for added variety and more scenic views. But often, I’d just rent a boat and row along the reservoir.
Pro Tip:
Hiking in Edgbaston is the best time to bring binoculars. The surroundings are a bird’s paradise, with nearly a hundred species of birds—herons, kingfishers, and more—calling it home. Binoculars would come in handy to get a closer look at these flyers.
7. Holly Wood Nature Reserve
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Location: 12 The Crescent, Queslett Road
Contact: +44 121 588 6154
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Walking through places like Holly Wood Nature Reserve is why I’ve become a bit of a nature lover.
This 5.2-hectare paradise is a lush haven that combines woodlands and wet meadows, featuring a diverse array of flora and fauna.
You can stop by the serene stream that meanders across the reserve. The gentle flow of the water, paired with the quick chirping of the birds, creates a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere that helps clear your mind.
Pro Tip:
Holly Wood’s woodlands are covered by vibrant-coloured bluebells that make for a picturesque landscape. So, time your visit around springtime, or in May, to see these flowers in full bloom and get those Instagram-worthy photos.
8. Birmingham New Main Line Canal
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Location: Gas Street Basin (city centre) up to Tipton
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
The Birmingham New Main Line Canal offers a different kind of hike because it doesn’t involve meadows, woodlands and uneven terrain. Instead, it spans an urban landscape with streaks of lush greens and a canal with gently flowing water.
My preferred path is Birmingham’s Waterside Circular because it’s a 6-mile stroll down the city’s past. It passes by Perrott’s Folly (a 29-metre old observatory) and Edgbaston Reservoir. It extends to the Birmingham Canal and back to the starting point at Harborne Road.
I’d also recommend the walk to Old Turn Junction. It’s just 1.5 miles but will take you to the heart of the city’s canal network.
It’ll also get you a glimpse of urban landmarks like the Farmer’s Bridge Locks, used to manage the water levels and Old Turn Junction, where the canals meet.
Pro Tip:
Go for evening walks. It’s colder, and the city’s night lights illuminate the surroundings. The canals look more magnificent as they reflect these lights, creating an even more picturesque setting.
9. Summerfield Park
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Location: Dudley Road, Soho
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
If you’re new to hiking, give Summerfield Park a try. That’s because the park has well-marked pathways that meander through large trees and colourful flowerbeds, making strolls a pleasure. These paths are perfect for strengthening those legs.
After leisurely hikes in these pathways, you can then relax at the park’s many family-friendly amenities like children’s play areas and open spaces. It also features tennis courts, as well as football and cricket pitches.
For experienced hikers, Summerfield is a great starting point for longer hikes. I like starting at the Northbrook Street entrance for a walk to either the Birmingham Main Line Canal or Edgbaston Reservoir. It makes for an extended, more challenging adventure.
Pro Tip:
The park is accessible via several bus routes, including 80, 82, 87, 11a, and 11c, with stops near the main entrance on Dudley Road.