Route developed by: Margaret Clewett

Starting from Balsall Heath Women’s Academy

[1] Leaving the Academy, turn left onto Edward Road and cross, where it is safe, to turn right into Hallam Street. Follow the road as it bears round to the right and then turn right at the end into Mary Street.

Note the Sikh centre on the left at the junction at the top of the hill when you turn right into Mary Street.

[2] Follow Mary Street and turn right into Strensham Street, noting the murals over the shop on the corner(it must have been a greengrocers at one time!). Walk past the houses with the wrought iron balconies to the mini roundabout. Turn left into Edgbaston Road and follow the road as it becomes Cromer Road. Then turn left into Tindal Street and walk past the old cottages to head through the bollards to the junction with Edward Road, with the Clock Pub on your right. Cross Edward Road into Vincent Street and take the second turning on the left – a right of way between modern houses. Keep left at the junction, as you go slightly down hill through Hollycote Gardens, to finally arrive at Mary Street.

[3] Cross straight over and continue into Cobden Gardens and through to the junction with Lincoln Street. Turn right and follow road around to the left as it becomes Clevedon Road. You will see Calthorpe Park(A) opposite so cross over and walk along the edge of the park until you see the path leading into the park (opposite Apra Ghar Asian Elders Centre).

[4] Take the path, crossing over the River Rea (B) and walk under an avenue of mixed mature trees. Keep going until the electricity sub-station and then head straight towards Pershore Road, past what looks like an old crazy golf course, then turn left and left again along the path leading to a road ahead. Note the empty marble plinth on the right.

The statue of Sir Robert Peel (1788 – 1850), the founder of the Metropolitan Police Force, used to be here from 1926 to 1963 and is the largest piece of bronze in one piece cast in Birmingham. Previously it was situated in Victoria Square and now it is in front of the police training centre on the Pershore Road!

[5] Don’t go out onto the road by the barrier but swing left, so that you re-cross the River Rea. There are some beautiful tree trunks on your left. Walk into the playground, past the youth centre with its inspirational graffiti and turn right into Edward Road, opposite the incredibly ornate Baptist church, and follow the road back to the Academy.