Byways not highways

Discussion about any other rides & touring

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Carl_Williams
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Joined: 19 Jul 2010 23:07
Real Name: Carl Williams
Location: Stirchley

Byways not highways

Post by Carl_Williams » 19 Jan 2016 23:35

I'm thinking about putting my 'cross bike to more use than commuting and after some route ideas.
Has anyone suggestions on towpaths, gravel tracks, byways etc. heading south from Birmingham. I'm looking to make a 40 mile route similar to the Tour of the Black Country.
Why stand when you can sit, why sit when you can lie, why lie when you can sleep. Brian Robinson

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CakeStop
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Joined: 17 Nov 2006 21:57
Real Name: Steve Smith
Location: Birmingham

Post by CakeStop » 19 Jan 2016 23:51

Apart from canal towpaths and NCN off-road routes I've struggled to put any decent routes together. Public bridleways have varied from rideable off-road trails and beds of streams to muddy quagmires and heavy undergrowth in a fairly short distance. I've found a few decent sections but they're just short interludes between country lanes. Other parts of the country do much better but I haven't found a great deal round here sadly.
Eat cake before you're hungry

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CakeStop
Posts: 1258
Joined: 17 Nov 2006 21:57
Real Name: Steve Smith
Location: Birmingham

Post by CakeStop » 19 Jan 2016 23:58

This map illustrates the limited and fragmented off-road (green) opportunities around here...

http://tinyurl.com/zh6dst6
Eat cake before you're hungry

Carl_Williams
Posts: 36
Joined: 19 Jul 2010 23:07
Real Name: Carl Williams
Location: Stirchley

Post by Carl_Williams » 22 Jan 2016 18:46

Thanks Steve. I'd looked on Sustrans and expected to find more too. I remember when I first moved to Birmingham I rode some of NCN5 on my race bike and wished I was on my cross bike then :wink:
Why stand when you can sit, why sit when you can lie, why lie when you can sleep. Brian Robinson

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