Autumn is such a beautiful time to be outdoors… the colours, the crisp air – so if you’re looking for options to do some fitness outside in Birmingham, you have come to the right place!
Constantly Varied Functional Fitness
CrossFit’s founder, Greg Glassman, famously shared his vision of ‘Fitness in 100 Words’. He describes the importance of whole foods and fuelling the body, performing lifts and gymnastics – but he also stresses the importance of variety, and regularly trying and playing new sports. Whilst hiking or jogging might not necessarily be a ‘new’ activity for you, there is certainly a lot to be said for mixing up the routine and challenging your body with something different!
And, what better way to achieve variety and compliment your existing gym routine than with the natural varied landscape of the great outdoors!
The Lickey Hills
First up: the beautiful Lickey Hills. Lickey Hills Country Park is a varied and treasured country park, 10 miles south west of Birmingham and 24 miles north east of Worcester. The 524 acre park can be found just south of Rednal and within easy reach of Barnt Green, too, and only half a mile west of Cofton Hackett. Interestingly, it is one of the oldest parks managed by Birmingham City Council. With rolling hills rising up to 298m above sea level at Beacon Hill, it boasts stunning views of the surrounding area, and makes for a scenic spot for trail running or gentle hiking.
Dog-friendly and family-friendly, it has a children’s play area and picnic tables as well as various paths and trails through the woods, and up and down the hills. Parking is free, with car parks at the Visitor Centre and Beacon Hill on Monument Lane – but make sure to check the park closing times (especially in the Autumn and Winter!) so you don’t find yourself locked in overnight…!
Birmingham Canals
Did you know… that Birmingham features an impressive 35 miles of canals – which is more than Venice? It’s true! Birmingham’s extensive canal network is enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and narrowboat owners alike, and are a wholesome reminder of the city’s history.
Due to their flat and motor-traffic-free nature, they also offer an excellent option for running routes! SCFIT runners have been known to enjoy 5km and 10km running routes down the canal, using bridges and graffiti artwork as checkpoints! Try joining the canal at Bournville train station and run towards Birmingham City Centre. You’ll eventually reach Selly Oak, with a large bridge after the Sainsbury’s (after Battery Retail Park). This is around the 5km marker, making for an easy-to-find 10km run route (as an ‘out and back’) from SCFIT gym in Stirchley!
Waseley Hills Country Park
For another hilly option for partaking in fitness outside in Birmingham, there are the beautiful Waseley Hills in Romsley! Technically in Worcestershire rather than Birmingham, these rolling green hills make for an excellent dog walking spot and boast panoramic views of the surrounding area. With over 150 acres of beautiful grounds, these hills present varied terrain for walking and hiking, with plenty of trees, open grassy spaces, wooded areas and trails.
The main entrance can be found on Gannow Green Lane, where there is pay and display parking, and the lovely Windmill Cafe! Open 10am until 4pm every day, it’s well worth the small parking charge for the convenience – especially if you’re visiting with children. If the cafe isn’t a must-visit – we recommend opting for the South Car Park (where parking is free). You’ll be up the hills within just a few minutes, enjoying the stunning scenery! But Waseley Hills aren’t just a place for dog walks and drinking coffee – they are also an excellent spot for hill sprints. Try taking to the hillside with a weighted vest or backpack for an added challenge for your hill sprint workout!
Options-a-plenty for Fitness Outside In Birmingham
So there we have it – a handful of beautiful spots for fitness outside in Birmingham and beyond! What are your favourite parks and hills? Do you have a go-to location for running, hiking, or walking? We’d love to know! Stay tuned for more suggestions – we’ll be back in the spring with more outdoor fitness recommendations, including our favourite wild swimming spots in Birmingham!
Keen to know more about CrossFit, and find out if SCFIT is a good fit for you? Book a free No Sweat Intro in the gym now!