As we move into February, many find their New Year's fitness resolutions beginning to wane. The initial burst of gym enthusiasm often fades with the long, cold month, but spring offers a perfect opportunity to reignite that motivation. Rather than making grand promises, consider taking smaller, more sustainable steps towards your health goals.
Why Walking is the Perfect Spring Exercise
Walking provides an excellent, low-impact form of exercise that benefits both physical and mental wellbeing. Unlike expensive gym memberships, it's completely free and accessible to most people. The changing seasons bring blossoming flowers, budding trees, and signs of new life that make outdoor walks particularly refreshing and inspiring.
Venturing beyond your usual walking route can provide a welcome change of scenery and help break the monotony of routine. While exploring new paths might feel daunting initially, the rewards of discovering Birmingham's beautiful green spaces make it well worth the effort.
Birmingham's Best Spring Walking Routes
The walking app AllTrails has compiled a comprehensive list of Birmingham's top-rated walking routes, featuring everything from easy paths to moderate trails through woodlands, parks, and canal systems. Here are ten of the best options for a refreshing spring walk:
1. Bluebell Trail
Rated 4.6 out of 315 reviews, this easy-level walk covers 4.2km with 125m elevation gain, typically taking 1-1.15 hours. The primary starting point is the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre car park on Warren Lane. One reviewer noted, "This is a lovely, easy walk, even on a really rainy, grey, and overcast day. There are still some places where you can see nice views."
2. Lickey Hills To Upper Bittell Reservoir Circular
With a 4.6 rating from 73 reviews, this moderate trail spans 7.4km with 188m elevation gain, taking approximately 2-2.5 hours. The recommended start and end point is the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre. A reviewer described it as a "lovely easy walk" despite its moderate classification.
3. Lickey Hill and Cofton Hill Circular
Another Lickey Hills option, this moderate trail has a 4.5 rating from 145 reviews. Covering 1.8km with 51m elevation gain, it typically takes 0.5-1 hour. The route starts near a small car park within Lickey Hills Country Park, with one reviewer praising it as "a nice easy route to walk with my puppy."
4. Waseley Hills Rabbit Trail
Starting at Waseley Hills Country Park's main visitor area (which includes parking and a café), this easy trail has a 4.5 rating from 135 reviews. The 4.3km route features 93m elevation gain and takes about 1-1.15 hours. One walker commented, "A lovely walk through some gorgeous countryside. Lots of benches to rest with easy to spot way markers."
Making Walking Part of Your Fitness Routine
Incorporating regular walks into your weekly schedule can be more sustainable than ambitious gym commitments. These Birmingham routes offer varying difficulties and lengths to suit different fitness levels and time constraints. The changing spring scenery provides natural motivation, while the physical benefits of regular walking include improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and better mental clarity.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially during wetter months when trails can become muddy. Many of these routes are dog-friendly and feature clear waymarking, making them accessible for both experienced walkers and those new to exploring Birmingham's outdoor spaces.
As spring approaches, consider swapping one gym session per week for a refreshing walk through one of these beautiful Birmingham routes. The combination of exercise, fresh air, and natural beauty might just be the perfect recipe for maintaining your fitness goals throughout the year.
