Route Developer: MP/CW

Route Checker: JE

[1] Turn right out of the community centre, crossing to the left when you reach the mini roundabout, turning into The Oak Walk. At the end of The Oak Walk, turn left into Hawkesley Drive.

(A) You are now in one of the jewels of Birmingham’s industrial history: The Austin Village. It was built by Herbert Austin during World War I for house workers from the nearby aircraft and munitions factory. Most of the bungalows along Hawkesley Drive and Central Avenue were imported from the USA in 1917, and are built from Canadian cedar. The brick houses distributed through were there to act as fire breaks. The bungalows were intended to house 7 workers and the houses 12. Today, 199 are still inhabited, and they are protected by preservation orders.

[2] Cross Hawkesley Drive and turn right into Laburnum Way, through the grassed area. When you reach Central Avenue, turn left crossing Rowan Way and Cypress Way. Soon you will reach newer housing, including tower blocks to your left. Continue along Central Avenue as it first bends left and then right, and finally turn right onto Longbridge Lane, heading towards the railway station.

[3] After crossing over the railway line, turn right into Tessall Lane. Follow the pavement parallel to the railway, and at the end of the road, turn left over a footbridge and after a short distance, turn right onto a tarmac path signed National Cycle Network 5.

(B) The path leads through Daffodil Park, named because in the past the area was used to grow the flowers for sale.

When you reach the end of Daffodil Park, the Kalamazoo Works head through the gap in the metal fence. You are now on Rea Road, continue along this road until you reach the junction with The Mill Walk and Hawkesley Mill Lane.

[4] At the crossroads, turn right into The Mill Walk where you can see what must be the only ford in Birmingham. Cross The Mill Walk and head through the gap in the wooden fence to re-join the River Rea Trail. You will pass through a wooded area, and after a few minutes, you will pass an open grassed space on your left. When you reach the next road, Mill Lane, you should leave the path opposite the Gospel Hall.Pushchair users who cannot negotiate the steps here could go onto the pavement on the left of the grassed area and rejoin the route opposite the Gospel Hall.

[5] Turn right onto Mill Lane, and pass under the railway bridge. The road crossing here might be risky; watch the traffic lights and cross to the side with the pavement. The road is now called Coley’s Lane. Follow Coley’s Lane as it bends right crossing Cressage Avenue. At the junction, turn right onto Turves Green and cross Willett’s Road and The Oak Walk. Cross Turves Green when it safe to do so, returning to the community centre.