Urban Ramble: City Centre to Sarehole Mill

Another in our series of lovely walks through urban and green spaces of the West Midlands using the Greenways Map.

This time we are walking one way, which makes for a more interesting walk, but means using the train to get back to the start. It’s around 7 miles (3 hours), easy and flat and we will take it very easy. There is lots to see in a slice through the city that combines both industrial heritage and nature reserves!

From Brindley Place we follow the towpath (Cycle route 6) along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal below Post Office Tower, enjoying the very historic Farmers Bridge flight of locks which is very historic and atmospheric. We don’t stay on the Birmingham Fazeley canal for long but take the Digbeth Extension Canal to The Grand Union Canal - heading towards London! However, we only take the canal as far as Tyseley where we follow the Greenway/ Cycleway beside the River Cole as far as Sarehole Mill.

Sarehole Mill is best known for its connections with JRR Tolkien. It is due to be open that day for it's first weekend of the season, so we hope the cafe will be available to us, There should also be the opportunity to see inside the mill for a modest entry charge if you wish.

It is lovely to find such an idyllic spot with a 250 year old working watermill and picturesque mill pond so close to the City. This is the end of the walk as such, but for those catching the train back from Hall Green Station there will be the option to take the 10 min walk there with Richard. Alternatively, if you don’t want to walk any further, you can share an Uber!

This event is organised and supplied by Richard Coulter – Hidden Spaces, whose terms and conditions apply, obtainable on request and for whom Spice act as agent. Those booking enter into a contract directly with Richard Coulter. For availability and bookings contact Spice.