Walking in Solihull is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.
This page contains information on Benefits of Walking, Short Walks, Local Interest Walks, Long Walks, Walking Routes & Maps, Walking Sports & Orienteering
Why is walking the perfect activity for health?
- Almost everyone can do it, it’s FREE and you don’t need any special equipment, just a comfy pair of shoes!
- You can do it anywhere and at any time to suit your schedule.
- If you haven’t been active for a while, you can start slowly and build up gently.
- It’s a chance to be in the great outdoors, re-energise and explore your local area.
- Walking groups are a great way to socialise and meet new people.
- Taking part in regular physical activity has a whole host of benefits. Find out more about physical activity benefits
Walking Groups – Short Walks (10-60 minutes)
Solihull Striders & Strollers Wellbeing Walks:
Come and enjoy your local area, meet new people and improve your health with one of our walking groups. We have regular walks led by our trained volunteer walk leaders.
Current dates, times and locations can be found in our Step in Solihull Booklet April – September 2024.
The walks offer a range of routes that allow for the appreciation and exploration of local surroundings, environment and wildlife. The routes used are mostly flat, even and accessible to all participants regardless of physical ability. Please complete a Step into Solihull Registration Form before your first walk. This can be done either online, on the day of the walk or by requesting a copy of the form from Solihull Active by e-mail [email protected] or calling 0121 704 8207.
The walks generally last around an hour but some offer a 30 minute shorter alternative. At the end of the walk there is always a cup of tea or coffee available (for a small donation), as well as the opportunity to chat and make new friends.
Parkwalk at Parkrun! It really is for everyone, 5km route
Park Run is a free weekly event held across the globe and we’re lucky to have two in Solihull, Babbs Mill and Brueton Park. These are volunteer-led timed 5km routes that take place every Saturday at 9am and the great thing is that you can complete it at your own pace.
Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere, getting the opportunity to chat to people, being active and is something that whole families or friendship groups can do together. Parkrun actively supports as many people as possible to walk as well as run, and have dedicated volunteers who do just that.
Walking Groups – Local Interest Walks (60+ minutes)
A fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, explore local scenery and the natural history of an area as well as improving your health and wellbeing. To book a place contact Solihull Active on 0121 704 8207 or e-mail [email protected]
Upcoming Walks
- 15th May 2024 – Baddesley Clinton
- 10th July 2024 – Sarehole Mill
- 11th September 2024 – Sheldon Country Park
- 13th November 2024 – Hatton Locks
- 22nd January 2025 – Knowle
Anyone new to these walks must complete a Solihull Active registration form at time of booking, either online or we can post out a copy.
Walking Groups – Longer Walks (60+ minutes)
Ramblers Groups in Solihull
Castle Bromwich Ramblers, Knowle Ramblers & Solihull Ramblers offer you the opportunity to progress from our Striders and Strollers walks onto something a little more challenging and to go those few extra miles.
Rambling Club at Solihull Methodist Church
Rambles are held on the third Thursday of each month with all church members and friends welcome. They meet at the church, and share the driving to the start of the walk.
Solihull Pathfinders
A walking club based in Solihull that prides itself on being a welcoming and friendly group.
- Sunday Walks are based around the Solihull area every fortnight. These form the core of the club’s activities and alternate between short (around 5 miles) and longer (7 to 9 miles) from January to early December.
- Wednesday Walks are based throughout the Midlands area and occur on a monthly basis, with occasional extra walks during the summer months. These walks tend to be longer (8 to 11 miles).
- Long Distance Trails are broken down into monthly individual legs usually on Saturdays. The aim is to complete each trail over a 1 or 2 year period.
For further information please see the Solihull Pathfinders Website
Solihull Tree Wardens
The Solihull Tree Wardens serve and protect the local environment’s trees, hedges and woodland. They play an active role in conserving and enhancing the local trees and woodlands.
Visit Love Solihull for further information and upcoming Tree Walk and Talks.
Hampton Walking
Hampton Walking arranges weekend walks within 15 miles of Hampton-in-Arden and has 2 groups: Hampton Hikers led by Evan Grant with hikes aimed to be enjoyable and challenging for those used to walking 7-10 miles, and; Arden Amblers led by Bob Reid with shorter walks of 4-6 miles which are still enjoyable and sometimes challenging.
Visit Hampton Walking for further details.
This Girl Walks
This is a fun and friendly group of like minded ladies, meeting in Solihull, Tudor Grange Park at 6pm every Monday. For further information visit This Girl Walks.
u3a Walks
Balsall Common u3a arrange both c5 and c3 mile rambles. Visit the website for further information Shorter Walks Group (balsallcommonu3a.org) Ramblers Group (balsallcommonu3a.org)
Olton u3a meets the 3rd Monday of every month. Walks are normally 4 to 5 miles in length, at a comfortable pace for all participants. If you are interested in joining visit the Olton u3a website
Wednesday Walking Club
A friendly group, that walk somewhere within a 20 mile radius of Shirley every Wednesday, whatever the weather! Walks are between 7-8 miles, plus sometimes a shorter 3-5 mile walk.
To join in, just turn up at 9.15 am at the car park at Oak Furnishings at the top end of Sears Retail Park (off Marshall Lake Road) where the day’s walk leader will give out driving directions and they arrange lifts in cars if necessary. Membership places are currently available. Although membership is limited to 40, visitors are always welcome (£1 per walk). For further details about the current programme or what to bring, please email [email protected]
Local Walking Routes & Maps
Sensory Walking Routes
Sensory walks allow you to use your senses to connect with your surroundings whilst you stay active.
Find a Sensory Walk near you:
- Download Babbs Mill Nature Reserve Route or view on the OS Digital Map
- Download Elmdon Nature Reserve Route or view on the OS Digital Map
- Download Lavender Hall Park Route or view on the OS Digital Map
- Download Shirley Park Route or view on the OS Digital Map
- Download Hillfield Park Route or view on the OS Digital Map
You can also create your own sensory walks with these helpful resources. Download Making a Sensory Walk Toolkit
Walking Maps
- Get Walking Maps – This booklet outlines 13 short walking routes in the Solihull borough, exploring the areas in and around the local parks.
- Suggested walking routes – This web page includes information on 2-5 mile circular walks and longer distance routes.
Heritage Trail
This 3km (1.85 mile) circular walk takes in the historic heart of the old Solihull village and should take about two hours to complete at a moderate pace.
The heritage trail leaflet is available to pick up free of charge from The Core Library in Solihull town centre, or you can download it.
There is also a “Solihull Town Centre: Then and Now” video for a virtual guided tour of the town centre.
Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group (WGCG) has also produced a geological trail leaflet that covers Solihull town centre.