This cycle route starts in All Saints Park, crosses Asylum Bridge, and follows the Old Line to Winterborne House, The School Yard, and Harborne Walkway. It goes along some narrow pathways and busy roads; please be mindful of cars, other riders, runners, and pedestrians. Before and after your journey, you can use Parkopedia to find parking spots near you. You can hire a bike with Brompton Bike Hire, West Midlands Cycle Hire, or On Your Bike.
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Route overview
The buildings on the other side of the enormous red-bricked wall gave Asylum Bridge its name. In the 1800s, a new canal route was constructed to make a shortcut, resulting in the formation of a sort of island at Winson Green. The authorities then used this remote island to establish institutions. “The Workhouse,” “The Madhouse,” and “The Badhouse” were treatment, punishment, isolation, and segregation facilities.
By 1889, the workhouse had over two thousand inmates, most of them from destitute families forced to work in exchange for subpar living conditions and food. The prison still functions today, and the infirmary is now Birmingham’s City Hospital. From All Saints Park, which is now a hospital, you can view the old asylum.
All Saints Hospital, previously Winson Green Asylum. Credit: County Asylum
Asylum Bridge. Credit: A Very Narrow Journey
Leave All Saints Park by turning left by Asylum Bridge and down the stairs onto the pathway that runs along the Canal Old Line. Continue on this path for about 2.7 km.
Part 1 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
After exiting under Sheepcote Street Bridge, ride up the ramp and turn right over the bridge, then turn left onto Birmingham City Centre Path to pass the National Sea Life Centre.
Part 2 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
This path becomes Waterfront Walk; follow the curve to the right and pass a pixelated-looking building on your left.
Part 3 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
The path then becomes the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. Follow the path for about 2km passing under five bridges. At the sixth Bridge, 84A, ride in a clockwise direction, up the ramp and onto this bridge. Exit the parking lot to the right onto Mason Way.
Part 4 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
After about 650 metres, turn right onto Edgbaston Park Road. After another 650 metres, turn left to find Winterbourne House and Garden.
Part 5 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
Winterbourne House and Garden is one of the best-surviving examples of an Edwardian Arts and Crafts-style suburban villa. Inspired by the books of Gertrude Jekyll, the garden was lovingly designed and created by the original homeowners, Margaret and John Nettlefold. Later owners developed the gardens similar to what you see today. Today, the gardens are Grade II-listed and used by the university for research as well as relaxation by the students. Visiting the gardens will surely bring a smile to your face; bright colours, neat gardens, and floral scents. You can buy tickets and see the opening hours here.
Winterbourne House. Credit: Visit Birmingham
Retrace your way back onto Edgbaston Park Road. Turn left onto Somerset Road and go through two circles to stay on Somerset Road.
Part 6 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
Turn left onto Metchley Road, right onto Alma Passage, then left onto High Street to find The School Yard on your left behind Boston Tea Party, down York Street.
Part 7 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
The School Yard is a Grade II listed former school, Harborne Heath Road Board School. Built in 1881, it was designed in the recognisable Birmingham Gothic Style of red brick and terracotta. Closed in the mid-1970s, it was reopened as an adult education centre. Today, it is a bustling area with new housing developments, restaurants, and coffee shops. The Yard merges the old with the new, a testament to the timelessness of architecture and creativity of a community.
The School Yard. Credit: FHP
Find your way back to High Street, turning left onto St. John’s Road, then right onto Clarence Road, and left onto North Road. Turn left onto Park Hill Road, then just before the bridge on the right is the entrance onto the Harborne Walkway. You may need to walk your bicycle for a little bit.
Part 8 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
Experience the historic charm and scenic beauty of the Harborne Walkway. Once a bustling railway line dating back to the 19th century, this picturesque greenway now offers a tranquil escape amidst lush woodland and meadows. There are remnants of the original railway infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels, which provide glimpses into the area’s industrial past. With its rich historical heritage and stunning natural scenery, Harborne Walkway attracts those seeking both cultural insight and outdoor adventure.
Harborne Walkway. Credit: Tom Bird
Continue along the walkway for about 2.7km until you reach Summerfield Park on your left. You can cut through the park on any of the designated pathways to turn right onto Dudley Road. Turn left just after the second bridge onto Clissold Passage which takes you back onto the path along the Birmingham Old Canal. Continue along here for roughly 1.2km to return to Asylum Bridge and All Saints Park.
Part 9 of the 15.5km Birmingham Cycle Route: Harborne, Winterbourne House
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our 18km Moseley Village and Cannon Hill Park Cycle.
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Download the GPX file here.
Information gathered from various sources, including Wikipedia.