Birmingham Walks: Lickey Hills
Green space in larger cities seems a little bit unrealistic. But you’ll be pleased to know that you can still get your outdoor fix in the most unlikeliest of places. Birmingham is a city in the heart of the Midlands, bustling with traffic and people, OK, you won’t find escape right in the centre, but just outside there is a wonderful country park called Lickey Hills.
Parking
Set just 10 miles out of the city, towards Bromsgrove, is a green space covering 524 acres. Parking is available at the Visitors Centre on Warren Lane and is completely free. From the car park, a choice of nature trails take you as near or as far as you would like. Follow the Squirrel trail for little legs, the Bluebell trail for medium legs and a Champions trail for hardy legs.
Into The Woods
We start on the Bluebell trail to get our bearings, and are immediately treated to views across Birmingham and beyond. The trail moves in to the woods on Bilberry Hill and past many view points looking over the surrounding areas. The ground is negotiable for pushchairs and has good access.
The kids follow the arrows which are plain to see and very regular. Information boards pop up now and then to teach us the lie of the land and a plethora of wildlife we may be able to see. The Bluebell trail continues on for 1 and a half miles, through woodland and out to a den building area and play park.
COVID Restrictions
At the current time of posting, COVID19 means that the visitor centre and the toilets are not open, but the cafe is open for takeaway snacks and drinks.
Beacon Hill
We decide to carry on and explore further, so drove on to the car park on Monument Hill. This parking is also free and has ample space. We are met with a green rolling hill and a small castle like structure on top. This houses a toposcope which allows you to see what is hiding in the views ahead.
Not too far away is an Ordnance Survey trig point, concealed in the trees.
Beacon Hill is perfect for kite flying, picnics and castle storming!
Have you found any hidden gems or green spaces in your city? I’d love to hear about more urban walking and local escapes from the hustle and bustle.
If you like Birmingham Walks: Lickey Hills, why not try some more inner city walks. Wolverhampton Green Space.
