Cannon Hill to Bartley Green Reservoir

Breeze Bike Rides in Birmingham

This scenic 14-mile ride starts at the Midland Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park. We journey to Bartley Green Reservoir, travelling mainly along cycle paths and some (quieter) roads. We will ride at a steady pace of around 10 mph. This ride is ideal for women who are wanting to build up their confidence and fitness on their bikes.

From the MAC we ride through to Birmingham University along quiet roads. We then use the cycle path along the Selly Oak bypass, before joining Bournbrook Walkway, a lovely cycle and walk path which takes us on a back route through South Birmingham, as far as Weoley Castle. We pass the Castle, then journey on via road to Senneleys Park, and finally to Bartley Green Reservoir. We cycle round the reservoir, then return home via the same route, stopping at the tea shop in Cannon Hill Park for refreshments at the end of the ride.

The route is fairly flat but with a very slight incline much of the way from Selly Oak to Bartley Green. The only significant hill is Cromwell Lane as we approach the reservoir, but we can take this slowly. The return route, being slightly downhill pretty much all the way, is a breeze!

We will meet directly outside the entrance to the MAC. There is plenty of free car parking at the MAC, which is located opposite Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Cannon Hill Road. Please arrive at 10.15 for introductions and bike checks, so that we can set off at 10.30 prompt.

Hybrid or mountain bikes are ideal for this ride, but it should be manageable on road bikes in dry conditions. Helmets are strongly recommended. However, if you don't have one you can still take part and we will encourage you to purchase one if you decide to be a regular rider. We very much welcome newcomers to our rides, as well as women who are looking to increase the amount of riding they are doing.

Please bring a drink with you, a spare inner tube, and a bit of money if you want to buy refreshments at the cafe.

We really look forward to seeing you there, for an enjoyable and sociable ride.

If you have any questions, please get in touch, on 07411 952365

Alison and Helen

Starting Point

MAC (Midland Arts Centre) main entrance, Cannon Hll Park car park, Edgbaston.  

Starting Postcode

B12 9QH

Meet the Champions

• Alison Rolfe I started cycling regularly in the summer of 2013, taking part in my first Breeze ride in the autumn. Before that, although I enjoyed being active, I hadn't been a regular cyclist since my teenage years, when I had used cycling as a way of getting from A to B.
  
  I found Breeze rides to be really friendly, as well as a great way of exploring the lanes, roads and paths around Birmingham and beyond. I now cycle to work regularly, and find my weekends increasingly taken up with rides!
  
  I am keen to encourage other women to get into cycling, to enjoy the benefits to health and to your social life, and look forward to meeting you on a Breeze ride soon!
• Helen Guy Hi I'm Helen. I've rediscovered my love for cycling over the last year. This began during a holiday, where cycling was included. I returned home and then discovered Breeze rides. I haven't looked back! I started with 8 and 10 mile canal rides to help increase my confidence and fitness. I enjoyed the social emphasis of Breeze rides and the tea stops!
  
  Since then, I've been encouraged by some great Breeze champions and I feel a confident rider. This summer I cycled up a mountain. I don't know how!
  
  As a Breeze Champion, I want to give others an opportunity to enjoy the friendliness of a breeze ride and improve in confidence and fitness.
  
  Look forward to meeting you
  
  Helen