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Bournville to Stratford-on-Avon Cycle Route



England > West Midlands > Birmingham
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Cycle Route Details
Route NameBournville to Stratford-on-Avon
Distance : miles (km)26.09  (41.99)
Duration(hh:mm)02:45
Difficulty
Posted Byposieflump
Calories Burned kcal
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Cycle Route Location
CountryEngland
Town/CityBirmingham
County/RegionWest Midlands
Start LocationBournville Station, West Midlands
End LocationStratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire
Cycle Steps
Largely scenic canal route from South Birmingham to Stratford. Largely on the flat, the distance awards it a 4.
Landmarks/Pubs for lunch/Sites to see?
Copious canalside pubs, especially as one cycles away from Birmingham.

Cycling Clubs located in this region
Concorde CC
ctc Heart of England
Solihull cycling club
Your comments?
posted by:posieflumpRating : difficult :
I'm the person that posted this route. It is currently in a treacherous state since the recent bad weather and flooding. The footpath is very narrow in places, many of which now have nettles and brambles sticking out from their bushes. I had to turn back on attempting it last week because of a fallen tree across the path. While I've reported this to the Waterways, I thought it worth issuing a note of caution to anybody who might want to attempt this route. Wait for the weather to improve and for the clearup operation to take place first! (09-07-2007)

posted by:JimAVFCRating : difficult :
Did this route June 2008 from Gas St Basin, really enjoyable but rough patches in places took around 4 hours with a couple of breaks.

posted by:sallyannRating : difficult :
Attempted this route yesterday, gorgeous scenery interesting to be along the canal but tow paths in a real state in places, I was on a mb but my two friends were on hybrids and it was very rutted in places, very narrow in others and stingers galore! Made it to just outside Warwick as it took longer than expected. L

posted by:mkRating : difficult :
Rode this as from Central Birmingham to Stratford centre. Pretty good route especially along the numerous locks.

Route starts decently with a well paved track, and once you start reaching the numerous locks the scenery gets interesting and the route is very clean. A few decent pubs and canal shops along the way in case one cares for a refresher.

The major downside was a rough patch around 5-7 miles where the towpath is virtually non-existant (this starts pretty soon after a long stretch of locks). This part is presumebly what the other members are talking about as the track is quite small, wobbly and overgrowth on either side at times.

However other than this a well-worth trip. Took me about 4.5 hours on an MTB.

July 2009

posted by:RTBRating : difficult :
Has anyone cycled this route recently? I am planning to do it on my MTB next weekend.

I once did it many years ago on my MTB and it was quite overgrown in many places, and one needed to do a detour around the tunnel on the other side of Kings Norton in the direction of Hopwood.

posted by:mRating : difficult :
3/4/11

Did this route yesterday and really enjoyed it. The path was fine (a little bumpy in places but not overgrown) however I wouldn't attempt it after any significant amount of rain because it was very muddy in a few places.

Please note that there are actually signs up forbidding bikes for about half of the route - starting from the first section of locks. I ignored them (thinking at first that it would only apply to a small section) but couldn't work out why bikes are no longer allowed.

Took me 3 hours.

posted by:MattRating : difficult :
I recently acquired a second-hand mountain bike and am a complete novice – this was only my second cycle along the canals.

I started the route at the Horseshoe Pub in Kings Heath. It took me 2.5 hours to get into Stratford.

I then got the train to Birmingham Moor St and rode back along the canals from Brindley Place back round to Kings Heath which took 35 mins.

We’ve had some lovely warm weather of late so all of the paths are dry and in great condition at the moment. Thankfully none of the sections were overgrown.

I too saw the ‘no bikes’ signs along the section of canal where the locks are but continued anyway. As long as you watch your speed and are polite and considerate to the people on barges using the locks they don’t seem to mind and are very friendly folk!

The scenery is fantastic and if you want to stop for refreshments there are plenty of places to do so.

There are some fairly bumpy sections of path so if your bike is like mine and has no suspension make sure you sit on a bag of peas when you get home!

It’s a fantastic ride for a beginner like myself as it’s a flat ride and means you can get a considerable distance under your belt - which is great for building your confidence!

Will attempt to do this route again but will cycle back instead of getting the train next time.


posted by:AllynRating : difficult :
I rode this, starting from Halesowen and joining the canal at Selly Oak.
On the whole a great ride, though parts of it were very overgrown. I have nettle stings all over the place and would recommend the wearing of long trousers, sleeves and gloves, even on a warm day.

posted by:Paul WiltonRating : difficult :
Did this route yesterday (01/09/12). 2.5 hours from edgbaston, including a puncture. Overall very enjoyable. A bit muddy between Dickens Heath and the section with all the locks, but a low gear and patience will suffice. Like mentioned in other reviews, got a lot of nettle stings, so longer trousers and sleeves a good idea. Bumpy in places, but plenty of road crossing points to bail out if you need to. Would be tougher in the opposite direction, as quite a height difference.

posted by:RachelRating : difficult :
We went from Northfield/ longbridge rea valley route to Stratford . Sunday it was 30 miles 4 hours cycling but pub stops along the way so allow 4-5 hours. ( no fast pace)
We started off heading towards kingsnorton great paths. Picked up canal. Along to coxmoor. There a turn styles and gates with radar key access so accessible.
U have to get off tow path steep hill up but short at bran wood tunnel . But if u Turn left at top and then right go striaght accross the traffic lights to pick up the
Path down to other side of tunnel.
Path was quite muddy here in parts and bumpy.
We reached one tunnel had a bollard in way of access but u could get off before this cross over top of bridge and get on the other side.
Path was wide and reasonable flat gill lap worth and in our direction slight down hill to Stratford.
Lap worth to Stratford narrow in parts and just one track.
Grand union canal joins at one point.
At wootton warren there are A few steps looks unavoidable. Accross aqueduct.
So beware.
Number pus locks and beautiful scenery to Stratford.
Lovely ride but just allow time and go when generally dry as will make bike easier as in places it was muddy and uneven




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