The best cycling routes around Birmingham

Birmingham offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 600 options available on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, including over 250 easy routes, nearly 280 moderate routes, and more than 70 challenging trails.

Yes, Birmingham is excellent for easy and family-friendly cycling. The city's extensive canal networks provide many traffic-free towpaths, such as sections of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. Parks like Cannon Hill Park and Sutton Park also offer peaceful cycling paths. An easy route to consider is the Cannon Hill's Rescued Boulder – Cannon Hill Park loop from Cadbury, which is just under 16 km.

For longer rides, Birmingham offers several options. The Lichfield Cathedral – Gravel Path near Banners Gate loop from Wylde Green is a moderate 56.4 km route. Another substantial option is the Ariel Aqueduct – Woodgate Valley Country Park loop from University, a challenging 45.4 km ride with significant elevation.

Absolutely. Many of Birmingham's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Birmingham Canal Navigations – Gas Street Basin loop from Harborne and the scenic Longmoor Pool – View of Sutton Park loop from Chester Road through Sutton Park.

Birmingham's routes offer a blend of urban and natural scenery. Along the canal towpaths, you might spot wildlife like otters. Sutton Park, one of Europe's largest urban parks, is home to wild Exmoor ponies and features woodlands and wetlands. Kingfisher Country Park, near Lea Hall train station, is known for its sprawling woodlands and, as its name suggests, kingfishers.

Yes, for more experienced touring cyclists, Birmingham has routes with greater elevation and distance. The Ariel Aqueduct – Woodgate Valley Country Park loop from University is classified as difficult, covering 45.4 km with over 580 meters of elevation gain, offering a good test for advanced riders.

Many routes pass by or near significant attractions. You can cycle past the historic Birmingham Canal Navigations, explore the charming 'chocolate box village' of Bournville, or visit Sarehole Mill along the Cole Valley Cycle Route. Brindley Place and Gas Street Basin are also great starting points with cafes and a glimpse into Birmingham's industrial heritage.

Birmingham's urban nature means many routes are accessible by public transport. Several routes start from locations like 'University', 'Birmingham Snow Hill', and 'Birmingham New Street', which are well-served by train stations. The Kingfisher Country Park is conveniently located near Lea Hall train station, offering easy access to its trails.

The touring cycling routes in Birmingham are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 770 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive canal networks for traffic-free riding and the diverse green spaces like Sutton Park for varied terrain and natural beauty.

Birmingham offers several spots for a refreshing break. Brindley Place and Gas Street Basin, common starting points for canal routes, have numerous cafes. The leafy suburb of Bournville, accessible via the 'Cocoa Canal cycle route', is perfect for a cake break. Additionally, Sarehole Mill, located along the River Cole, also features a cafe.

Sutton Park is a standout, offering 970 acres with both paved and off-road tracks. Cannon Hill Park, close to the city center, provides peaceful cycling paths. The Rea Valley Route passes through Cannon Hill Park and Kings Norton Park, offering a scenic, mostly off-road experience. Lickey Hills Country Park also provides incredible views and woodland trails.

Birmingham's resurfaced canal towpaths are grippy and well-drained, making them suitable for cycling year-round. However, spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather conditions for exploring the parks and green spaces. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage.