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Bromyard Road River Walk (also known as Blackberry Way)

Address

Bromyard Road, Birmingham B11 4BU

Plan your journey

How to get there and parking

The river walk path is next to Bromyard Road. It can be accessed from Stratford Road (A34) in the south and Formans Roads in the north.

Nearest bus stops are on Shaftmoor Lane (B4217), Stratford Road and Formans Road.

About the park

A walk through this peaceful wooded parkland, which follows the course of the River Cole, has the added benefit of transporting visitors to the mythical world of Middle Earth.

It forms a section of the larger Shire County Park, which was named to honour the life and work of author J.R.R. Tolkien, whose childhood adventures in the park are said to have inspired many of his works.

Back in the 14th century the area was known as Foulemoreslone and most likely took its name from Fole or Fullford meaning foul ford.

Nowadays, this area of the River Cole and its wetlands is renowned for its woodland and wildlife. Kingfishers and woodpeckers can be spotted and the waterway is known to attract otters among other creatures.

The river walk is often referred to by locals as Blackberry Way because in the late summer it is known for being one of the best blackberry picking spots throughout the whole Shire Country Park.

Path through woodland with grass and trees.
Video introduction

Toilets
There are no toilets on site.
Points of interest
  • Near to Sarehole Mill Watermill Museum, Moseley Bog and Burberry Brickworks Nature Reserve
  • Part of the Shire Country Park
  • River Cole
Other features
  • Surfaced walkway
  • Walking routes including accessible tarmac path and shorter grass path
  • Wildlife, including kingfishers, woodpeckers and otters
  • Wooded parkland, with areas of open grassland
  • Part of Millstream Way, a trail that follows the course of the River Cole between Yardley Wood and Small Heath
Park friends group

Hall Green’s – Keepin’ It Clean group.

For further information, or to get involved, visit Hall Green's Keepin' It Clean Facebook page.

Parks friends group activities

Activities include:

  • Arranging litter pick and clean up sessions
  • Raising awareness of events taking place in the park
  • Work with Birmingham Parks Ranger Service to maintain and conserve the park
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