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City of Birmingham Group

We are the City of Birmingham Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Get in touch about this walk

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

Distances: 4.5 miles with option to shorten your walk at 3.5 miles. 400 feet total climb. The walk starts from Northfield and descends to Merrits Brook on Bell Holloway an ancient sunken route. From there the route climbs through Ley Hill arboretum, a hidden gem, to views across Frankley reservoir and Birmingham. After exploring this unusual arboretum the route takes us to the newly established “Village Green” and the community centre. After a short stop, we’ll descend to the Merrits Brook and walk north following the brook to Manor Farm Park established by the Cadbury family for the benefit of city children. This route is a green corridor route with open space, some woodland and parks. After crossing the Bristol Road to we continue through a hidden woodland before emerging at Bournville boating lake. You may catch a bus here or continue via Bournville Park to Bournville village green. Terrain: Mostly on firm footpaths with some woodland paths and grass areas.

Thursday, 14 August 2025
Start time:
10:30 am
Estimated finish time:
3:30 pm
Difficulty:
Easy
Distance:
7.2km / 4.5mi
Ascent:
121.9m / 400ft
Type:
circular

Please book a place on this walk – use the Eventbrite link above.

Features

  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available
  • Introductory walk
  • No car needed

Starting point

Grid reference:
SP 02083 79794
Nearest postcode:
B31 2NG
what3words:
theme.rapid.rooms
Start time:
10:30 am

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS: Meet outside Subway on the junction of Bell Lane and Bristol Road. 723A Bristol Road, Northfield, B31 2NG. Walk Start time 10.30 am. Travel to start: Buses 61and 63 from city centre opposite New Street station or The Mall by Moor Street station, approximately every 6 minutes. Journey time 35mins. Alight at Bell Lane. Bus 18, Bartley Green to Yardley Wood, (half hourly service) alight at Bells Lane, Northfield Shopping centre and walk to Bristol Road (100m) to Subway. By car: Park in Northfield shopping centre (fees may apply). Finish either Bournville Lane Police Station (3.5 miles) for return buses 61 and 63 or Bournville Green (4.5 Miles) Bus no. 11 or Bournville Station.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking