Walking and Public rights of way

Suggested Walks in Solihull

There are many public footpaths in and around Solihull. Each is different but they all offer a unique view of the borough and it’s surrounding Countryside. Why not use the information below to get out and start exploring the Borough from the Rights of Way network?

Circular Walks
To help you on your way, we have put together a series of guided circular walks which are available to download on the right hand side of this page. Alternatively these can be picked up at the tourist information centre located in the Library complex of the Touchwood shopping centre.

These circular walks are all based around village locations and explore the local footpath network as well as some of the local points of interest. The walks typically range from between 2 and 5 miles in length and will take in a range of terrain from rural paths through fields and across stiles to tarmac paths through some of the Boroughs Parks and Open Spaces. Each walk is described in detail so that you can decide whether it is suitable for you.

We are working on new leaflets all the time, so please check back for information on new walks.

Long Distance Walks
In addition to circular walks, there are a number of long distance walks which run through the borough. These walks typically run on existing public rights of way as well, but may also use other routes such as canal towpaths and connecting sections of road.

Described below are the four main long distance routes which run through Solihull. Each route is way marked with distinctive waymarks which include the name of the walk. Apart from A Solihull Way, these long distance routes have all been created by volunteer groups and associations.

Further information on each walk is provided below.

A Solihull Way
A Solihull Way is a 17 mile walk which will take you across Solihull from South to North starting at Earlswood Lakes on the Solihull Border to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens in the North. The route has a number of variations which can shorten or lengthen the walk depending on your own preferences. The walk was created a number of years ago at which time a leaflet was created. This leaflet is current out of print, however a copy is available to download on the right hand side of this page.

A Coventry Way
A Coventry Way is a 40 Mile Circular route which runs around the city of Coventry. In addition to this longer route, 21 smaller circular walks linking into the route around the city have also been created. 

Both A Coventry Way itself, and a number of the circular walks run through parts of the borough, including Meriden, Berkswell and Balsall. A booklet is available which describes all of the walks in detail including wildlife notes, written by local ecologist Ian Tanner, and brief interest/history notes.  Details of bus routes and bus stops are given, together with suitable car parking places.

Further information on A Coventry Way is available on their website at: http://www.acoventryway.org.uk/

Heart of England Way
The Heart of England Way is a well established 100 mile long distance walk which travels the length of the West Midlands region and takes in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route begins at Milford Common, Staffordshire and finishes at Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire.

Within Solihull the route runs from Meriden to just South of Balsall Common. Further information on the Heart of England Way is available on their website at: http://www.heartofenglandway.org/

Millennium Way
The Millennium Way takes in 100 miles of the diverse and historic heart of England. The route extends from Pershore in Worcestershire through to Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire.

A 13 mile section of the way runs through Solihull. Entering the borough at Hockley Heath the Way runs across to Meriden before continuing out of the borough.

Smaller circular walks have been planned along the route to include different stages of the Millennium Way making it accessible to those looking for shorter, more local walks.

Further information on the Millennium Way is available on their website at http://www.walking.41club.org/merhock.htm