e2e.bike

Cycling adventures across Britain and beyond

Menu
  • End to Ends
    • Britain
    • Ireland
    • France
    • Spain
    • Portugal
    • Belgium
    • Netherlands
    • Luxembourg
    • Austria
    • Switzerland
    • Denmark
    • Slovakia
    • Poland
    • Latvia
    • Cuba
    • Sri Lanka
    • Taiwan
    • Isle of Man
    • Faroes
    • Liechtenstein
  • Coast to Coasts
  • Yorkshire Ridings
  • Others
  • Writings
Menu
← PreviousNext →

Birmingham: Christmas and canals

Posted on 5 December 20112 April 2021 by Rob Ainsley


German Christmas Markets seem to be everywhere these days. We’ve been visiting a few – Leeds, Sheffield, York, Birmingham – in the echt German way.

That is, on bikes, and not spending more than we can afford.

Which means not spending anything, when they want four quid for a sausage.


The Birmingham trip was an excuse to cycle the canal network, with its exciting tunnels (right) and quaint bridges.


It’s a little-known fact that, compared to Venice, Birmingham’s canals actually have more Somalian muggers.

So the handwritten warnings on the scruffy underpasses and abandoned-factory walls imply, anyway.


A more enticing canalside notice (right) was here, somewhere en route to Bournville.

I had no idea Birmingham was so liberal these days. First it’s latte cafes in Gas St Basin, next it’ll be naked saunas in Selly Oak. Now that would be authentic German.


Obviously we didn’t, out of consideration for the camera-toting trainspotter in the picture (right) awaiting the flypast of a goods train from Immingham.

Canals apart, Birmingham is a horrible city centre to cycle in, with fast heavy traffic ripping along the dual carriageways, and virtually non-existent provision for cyclists.

The odd Sustrans route, such as NCN5 which passes through the Rea ‘Valley’ and a park by Edgbaston cricket ground, can’t really make up for it.

German visitors might at least politely recognise some elements of the Christmas Market; I doubt they’d be as complimentary about the cycle facilities.

Previous
←   Cramond Island: Rebel with a causeway
Next
B2Y 1: Barmouth to Dolgellau →

You are here

e2e.bike > Other > Route research > Birmingham: Christmas and canals

Recent Posts

  • North Ferriby: Back to the Suture 25 April 2025
  • Eindhoven: The floating roundabout 9 April 2025
  • Belgium 6: Bouillon to Torgny 6 April 2025

Random Posts

  • Monopoly 22: Piccadilly16 October 2009
    Stretching the best part of a mile from Piccadilly Circus to the …
  • B2J 3: Edmundbyers to Jarrow20 July 2012
    Most of today’s short concluding run was on NCN14, the well-surfaced railtrail …
  • Ireland 4: Gap of Dunloe4 June 2011
    A short circular ride today to the Gap of Dunloe (pic), as …

Search e2e.bike

Find me

        
Facebook • Twitter • Linked In • Email
© 2025 e2e.bike | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme