Lonbir four

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Good route, pleasant, direct and largely away from busy roads. Would recommend, although I think the refreshment options are considerably better on Lonbir Three.
I walked this route from Birmingham to Longbridge. It was very quick leaving central Birmingham by the canal towpath, and I enjoyed all the canalside walking, with plenty of narrow boats passing by. At Selly Oak the route leaves the canal and this is probably the easiest place to have a refreshment stop if you don't want to stray too far from the route, although I didn't find it very inspiring. There is a big Marston's pub, the 'Bear and Staff', just off route at the big road junction where the A38 Bristol Road and the A4040 Oak Tree Lane cross.
Instead I continued on to Bournville village, where at the bottom of Oak Tree Lane I walked across Bournville Park to visit the cafe Kafenion, which is near the Cadbury World tourist attraction, and serves Greek style light lunches. I also managed to fit in a visit to Selly Manor Museum, a Tudor manor house which is very interesting if you like old black and white buildings.
After all that distraction I went back on route and continued towards Longbridge. This half of the route is a mix of quiet residential roads and green spaces. There are a few busy roads, and some road crossings where care must be taken, don't follow the route line too literally, always check for the safest place to cross.
A quiet approach to Longbridge follows the river Rea, although mostly the river itself is hidden behind trees. Longbridge is being developed with new retail, eateries and accommodation near to the station, and good bus connections.

Went well nice amount of parks and attractions. Very fun to walk. The canel was ok but there are too many bikers and runners. Hopefully they don't fall in the canel! City centre was fun and laugh to go to. Overall a good walk if you live in the birmingham area or even if you live in Lyon it is worth it to come over (although I am not sure if you can rn lol!). But yeah great walk.

Starting outside Longbridge Railway Station, this route cuts down the side and soon soon picks up the route of the River Rea. Just by Northfield Station it cuts away from the river and heads through residential streets. After about 2km the route then cuts across Valley Parkway and this begins a section that is a combination of pathways through parks. Having reached Bournville, it's back to pavements again and when you reach the A4040, you are beside the main road. If you need to stop, this place offers many eating options. You turn right into a newly renovated road with a clear blue cycle lane. Selly Oak, just the other side of the canal offers many stopping options but instead you turn left on to the canal. The last 6km is a very leafy stretch of canal, popular with walkers and cyclists. As you enter the city centre by the Cube Building you pass many eateries and the Mailbox. It is a short walk from there under the Queensway, to New Street Station. This Slow Way is safe, direct and beautiful. The walking is park, pavement and towpath and offers a mulititude of rest stops. There are links to bus routes throughout the first half and in the whole 12 km between Longbridge and Birmingham New Street you have access to 4 other stations. This is the Slow Way I will be using!.

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