Birmingham has many parks for those who want to go walking in nature, which is great way to get exercise. Research has shown that walking, even for 30 minutes, is great for mental and physical health.
From parks right in the city to those you can reach via a short ride - there are multiple options. Most of them are connected via public transport as well, for instance one of the most popular city parks is located in Moseley and the bus can drop you right at its entrance.
For those who you want to stay in the city and still enjoy the views of natural beauty, there are parks in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell. Or, if you want to head out of the city and are looking for some challenge, there are hills not too far from Birmingham.
While spring is already here the weather is still chilly and layering up on your walks will be beneficial to make it a pleasant experience. You can turn it into a fun family day as well by packing a picnic along.
Here are eight great places to go walking in and around Birmingham:
5. Knowle Locks, Solihull
Knowle Locks are considered fairly new in canal historical terms as they were built in the 1930s. It is currently undergoing repair. They were built alongside the original single locks speed up traffic along the canal. The single locks are no longer in use, but the remains of the original locks are visible along the canal. It is great for spotting wildlife. (Photo - Graham Butcher / Knowle Locks / CC BY-SA 2.0) | Graham Butcher / Knowle Locks / CC BY-SA 2.0
6. Stourbridge Canal
Stourbridge u3a group at Llanymynech Canal Wharf Photo: Submitted
7. Bancroft Basin, Stratford-upon-Avon
Bancroft Bain (CV37 6BB) in Shakespeare’s Stratford connects the River Avon to the Stratford Canal. Now surrounded by gardens, the Basin was once home to wharves and warehouses with canal boats loading and unloading coal Photo: Submitted
8. Diglis, Worcester
Diglis Island and Diglis Fish Pass in Worcester (WR2 4FF) are two fascinating visitor destinations created through the Unlocking the River Severn project. The largest of the four fish passes is 100 metres long and has its own underwater viewing gallery where visitors can spot different species swimming through the pass. | Mat Fascione, CC BY-SA 2.0