The best cycling routes around Solihull

Solihull offers a wide array of touring cycling routes, with over 260 options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides through parks to more challenging long-distance tours.

You can expect a diverse landscape. Solihull features extensive green spaces, tranquil canal towpaths like the Grand Union Canal, quiet country lanes, and ancient woodlands. The terrain generally includes gentle gradients suitable for leisurely rides, with some moderate ascents on longer routes, offering a blend of urban convenience and rural charm.

Yes, Solihull has many easy routes perfect for beginners or family outings. For instance, the Abbey Fields Park – Kenilworth Greenway loop from Berkswell is an easy 21.5 km path featuring a mix of parkland and dedicated cycle paths. The 3Parks Cycle Route (connecting Elmdon, Sheldon Country, and Meriden Parks) is also traffic-free and family-friendly, with playgrounds and a tearoom.

For longer rides, consider routes that explore the wider countryside. The Wootton Wawen Aqueduct – Packwood House loop from Whitlocks End is a moderate 57.8 km trail leading through historic sites and rural landscapes. Another option is the Charlecote Park – Packwood House loop from Widney Manor, a more challenging 74.5 km route for experienced cyclists.

Many touring cycling routes in Solihull are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the moderate 40 km Knowle Locks – Honiley Road loop from Dorridge, which traverses scenic country roads and canal sections.

Solihull's routes often pass by beautiful natural and historical sites. You might cycle past the National Cyclists' Memorial in Meriden, or the historic St John the Baptist Church in Berkswell. Many routes also feature picturesque lakes like the Engine House and Engine Pool at Earlswood Lakes or Babbs Mill Lake, offering lovely views and resting spots.

Yes, the Grand Union Canal and the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal provide excellent, almost traffic-free routes. The Grand Union Canal Towpath – Mill Stream Way loop from Olton is an easy 16 km route that allows you to experience these scenic waterways. Some sections, particularly between Olton and Catherine-de-Barnes, are well-surfaced for cycling.

The touring cycling routes in Solihull are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the variety of landscapes, from quiet country lanes to peaceful canal paths, and the accessibility of green spaces.

Absolutely. Many routes offer glimpses of Solihull's rich history. The Packwood House – Honiley Road loop from Solihull, for example, takes you past the National Trust property Packwood House, known for its extensive gardens. The Berkswell Village – Meriden Pond loop from Olton also passes through charming historic villages.

Solihull's green spaces and varied routes are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also ideal for longer rides, while some routes, particularly those on well-maintained paths and country lanes, can be enjoyed in milder winter conditions.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Solihull offers routes with greater distances and elevation gains. The Packwood House – Charlecote Park loop from Dorridge is a moderate 60.8 km route with significant elevation, providing a more demanding ride through the region's varied terrain.

Many of Solihull's parks and nature reserves, which serve as starting points for cycling routes, offer dedicated parking facilities. For routes starting in villages or near attractions, look for public car parks. It's advisable to check specific parking availability for your chosen route's starting point.

Solihull is well-connected by public transport, making many cycling routes accessible. The borough has several train stations, including Solihull, Dorridge, and Olton, which can serve as convenient starting points for routes. Local bus services also connect to various areas within the borough, often near parks and trailheads.