Rambler tours near Birmingham

It may not be so easy to get around in Birmingham by foot, but that’s not to say the West Midlands is lacking in fascinating and scenic walks for ramblers of all skill levels. From urban exploration to days out in the neighbouring countryside, Birmingham residents and visitors alike will find plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs when setting out from the city centre into the great outdoors.

If you’re staying in areas such as Solihull on the outskirts of Birmingham, you’ll be blessed with the best of both worlds in terms of the city and the country both being within easy reach. The nearby Peak District offers the ideal rural respite from the bustling city, whether you head out in the car and set off on foot or join groups such as the Ramblers Association, which operates in several areas of the county.

You can even cross the border to counties such as Staffordshire to find a wealth of natural attractions just a short trip outside of the Birmingham conurbation, including numerous community forests and heritage sites, such as the National Forest and Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – ideal for family days out. You can also head south to Warwickshire and Stratford, for a tour of the idyllic ‘Shakespeare country.’

A trip to Birmingham doesn’t just have to be about getting out of the city, of course, and if you’re interested in seeing the sights of the city yourself, you’ll still find opportunities to take guided or self-guided walking tours of the city centre, before heading back to your Birmingham hotels to rest your feet.

You can take in some of Birmingham’s most impressive civic buildings, such as the Council House and Town Hall, on a short stroll from Victoria Square, as well as enjoy the city’s artistic credentials with statues such as Anthony Gormely’s Iron Man and Dhruva Mistry’s Spirit of the River. Walking around Birmingham city centre can also be a great way to come across some of the city’s most prestigious visitor attractions, museums and galleries, to add a dash of culture to your visit.

If you want to see more of this vast city than you think your feet alone are capable of, there are also numerous bus tours that are ideal for getting an overview of the best of Birmingham during your visit, and companies operating day trips out of the city to nearby towns and villages.