By bicycle from Bartley Green to Birmingham

Set off from the leafy suburb of Bartley Green, a quiet residential area on the southwest edge of Birmingham known for its proximity to Bartley Reservoir—great for a pre-ride view. Your 13.7 km ride to central Birmingham is a pleasant blend of peaceful cycleways and some stretches of quiet road, making it approachable for most cyclists.

You’ll mostly roll along smooth, paved and asphalt surfaces, but expect about a quarter of the route to be on gravel tracks—nothing too technical, but keep an eye out for loose patches, especially after a rainy day. There’s a gentle climb early on, but once you crest the max elevation near 193 meters, it’s mostly a rewarding descent towards the heart of Birmingham.

As you approach the city, enjoy glimpses of the canals and the regeneration projects that have given Birmingham a new spark. Finish your ride in England’s vibrant second city, where arts, shopping, and great food await—not to mention some pretty handy train links for your ride home!