Cannon Hill Park City Centre and University Circular

1. Start

With the Midlands Arts Centre behind you take the wide path up the hill, between the lakes in Cannon Hill Park. Bear left by the Garden Tea Room to join the National Cycle Network Route 5 (NCN5) heading out of the park.

Easting: 406633, Northing: 283882

2. Cannon Hill Park to Balsall Heath Road

Follow the signs to the city centre, crossing the main road into Cannon Hill Road and then going left, then right, into Harbury Road. Note the individual 'villas' comprising the terrace on the right. Go straight over into Cheddar Street, passing Calthorpe Park. At the end join the segregated path to the left of Clevedon Road. Continue across Balsall Heath Road.

Easting: 407308, Northing: 285002

3. Balsall Heath Road to the Hippodrome

Approaching the ring road, at the end of the segregated path, re-join the road with care. To cross the ring road take the centre cycle lane and use the cycle signal phase. Pass through the Highgate shopping area, crossing the River Rea (note the decorative metalwork commemorating the origins of Birmingham) and following signs to the city centre. At the end of Gooch Street turn right. At the next traffic signals turn left into Hurst Street. Continue up Hurst Street via the contra-flow lane, passing the Birmingham Back to Backs, and through the pedestrian area in front of the Hippodrome (although the lane stops, contra-flow cycling is permitted by signs, so be aware there may be oncoming traffic).

Easting: 407176, Northing: 285899

4. Hippodrome to Gas Street Basin

At the traffic signals take the centre cycle lane to go straight over. Turn first left into Station Street and follow the road right into John Bright Street. Go straight on into the pedestrianised street. At the pavement circle turn left (signed to NIA/ICC). At the end turn right onto a path running alongside the busy road. At the end of the path cross left under this road and rejoin the path to your right. At the top of the hill turn first left into Holliday Street. Turn right before the canal bridge into Bridge Street. Carry straight on to visit Centenary Square. Otherwise access the Gas Street Basin on your left by going down the ramp near the James Brindley pub and around the side of the basin, crossing the iron bridge to reach the main towpath of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

Easting: 406243, Northing: 286588

5. Gas Street Basin to The Vale

To visit Brindley Place and other city centre attractions turn right. To continue the ride turn left, following the towpath right opposite the Mailbox. The canal quickly leaves the city centre and becomes surprisingly rural, passing, after one mile through, Edgbaston Tunnel (105 yards). You will need to walk through this tunnel due to the narrow width. The next bridge gives access to Birmingham University at The Vale.

Easting: 405093, Northing: 284871

6. The Vale to the Rea Valley Cycle Route

Continue along the canal towpath for another 3.5 miles, passing the Cadbury factory (including Cadbury World) at Bournville on the right. At Pershore Road the towpath changes to the other side. To avoid 15 steps bear right and walk over the road bridge. Follow the towpath (canal on right) 200 yards and turn left to follow National Cycle Network Route 5 (NCN5). Follow NCN5 through the housing, going right and then straight on to join the Rea Valley Cycle Route. Follow the path, crossing the main road using the toucan.

Easting: 405633, Northing: 280079

7. Rea Valley Cycle Route to the Midlands Arts Centre

At the next road crossing go left then right into Cecil Road and go right then left to rejoin the Rea Valley path. Follow the path and go right across the River Rea to re-enter Cannon Hill Park. Bear left around the lake to return to the Midlands Art Centre.

Easting: 406618, Northing: 282276