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Harbone to city centre cicular

Route facts

Waterways:
Worcester & Birmingham Canal »

Distance: 8.95 miles / 14.4 km

Duration: 70 - 90 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Circular route from: St Johns Road

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Getting there

Parking: There are two pay car parks in St John’s Road but please note one is limited to two hours. There are larger pay car parks across the High Street in York Street.

 

Waypoints

1. Start

Go down St John's Road away from the High Sreet.

Easting: 403778, Northing: 284741

2. St John's Road to Summerfield Park

At the end of the road turn right into Clarence Road and at the end of this road turn left into North Road. At the end of North Rd turn left into Park Hill Road. Pass under the bridge and turn immediately left (this is still Park Hill Road). Turn first left into Forest Drive.

At the end, and to the left of the buildings, there is a narrow path leading to the Harborne Cycle/Walkway. Follow the path for about 1.5 miles until you emerge in Summerfield Park.

Easting: 404485, Northing: 287323

3. Summerfield Park to Edgbaston Resevoir

Do a clockwise circuit of the park, turning left towards the playground, then right and right again before the courts. Then go straight over to reach Gillott Road at East Gate. Turn right.

Turn left through a metal gate (opposite number 155) to reach Edgbaston Reservoir and follow the path right around the reservoir. Cross the dam and bear right up the access road going away from the reservoir.

Easting: 404492, Northing: 287157

4. Edgbaston Resevoir to canal towpath

Turn right at the main road (there is a pelican crossing on your left if required). After 250 yards turn (third) left into Rotton Park Street. Follow the street to the end to get onto the Worcester & Birmingham Canal towpath. Turn right.

Easting: 405021, Northing: 287259

5. Canal Towpath to Gas Street Basin

Follow the canal towpath for 0.5 miles. Pass under the Vincent Street bridge and continue along the canal towpath ignoring the canal on your right. Pass between the National Indoor Arena and the Sea Life Centre, eventually arriving at Gas Street Basin.

This area is a good place to leave the canal if you wish to explore the city centre or seek refreshments. This section of the canal towpath may be busy so push your bike if necessary and please be considerate to pedestrians.

Easting: 406215, Northing: 286608

6. Gas Street Basin to Somerset Road

To continue, follow the canal towpath, turning sharp right at the Mailbox. Continue to follow the canal towpath for about 1.5 miles with the canal on your left.

At bridge 84a (The Vale) there is a choice of routes of similar length:

Option 1: Carry on along the canal for a further 300 yards and leave at the next bridge. However, there are 25 steps to climb with your bike to reach the road. At the top of the steps turn left.

Option 2: To avoid the steps, go over the bridge passing through a small car park to reach the road. Turn right and follow this road through the university halls of residence. At the end of this road turn right and after 200 yards turn right again into Somerset Road, passing over the canal.

Easting: 404975, Northing: 284397