Shirley to The Lakes Railway Station, Rail Trails

Start : Shirley Railway Station (B90 2NE) Grid ref. SP 106 784

(S) Turn left out of the station to the pedestrian crossing, cross the road, on the opposite side turn right then turn left into Hunscote Close. After the last house on the left, turn left and ahead down the footpath to the left of the row of garages.

(1) At the end of the footpath, turn right on the pavement. The road bends left, then left again. At the end of the grassy area on the right, just past South Solihull Community Group noticeboard, turn right onto a link road then turn left on the left-hand pavement of a parallel road. Cross the road where it is safe to do so and continue on the right-hand pavement.

(2) At the road corner, cross the entrance of Whitlocks End Farm to the gap in the fence, turn right, through a gate and ahead on the path to the left of the drive, which immediately bends left. Follow the path as it bends right after houses.

Walk ahead on the drive, past The Cart House on the left and The Jinney Ring on the right. Where the tarmac drive ends, go ahead on the gravel track, and at a fork with a grit pile and a litter bin in front, fork right, passing a gate with a “Private Land” sign on the left. Follow this track through the plantation of Christmas trees to reach the bridge over the canal (A).

(3) Do not cross the bridge, but turn right down the steps and turn left on the canal towpath to pass under the bridge. Walk ahead on the towpath for 2 miles. After passing the Lady Lane Wharf on the opposite side and the derelict white house on the same side, before bridge 17, bear left up a slope to the road.

(4) Turn right on the road, cross the bridge over the canal, cross the road and continue on the left-hand pavement. In 300 yards, at a junction, cross the side road (Salter Street) and continue on the left-hand pavement of Shutt Lane as it bends to the right.

In 250 yards, the road bends left. Where the left-hand pavement ends, cross the road and continue on the right-hand pavement. In a further 550 yards, reach a crossroads.

(5) Cross the road to Reservoir pub ahead, then turn right (signposted Wythall, Manor Farm Craft Centre, Ambleside Garden Centre).

(6) In 50 yards, by a lamppost and just before road forks, turn left on the path through trees (beware anchored cable – trip hazard) to reach the stream on the right with the reservoir beyond. Bear left along the stream to reach stepping stones. Cross the stream, walk up the bank and turn left on the path along the bank with the reservoir on the right.

(7) In 600 yards, at the path junction at the corner of the reservoir, turn right over the wooden footbridge to keep the reservoir on the right. At the next corner, go through the wooden kissing gate and turn right on track over the brick bridge. Follow this track for 300 yards to reach a road.

(8) Cross the road and turn left on the right-hand pavement. Walk ahead 450 yards, crossing side roads, to reach paths to The Lakes station.

For trains towards Stratford, turn right on the path before the bridge to platform 1.
For trains towards Birmingham, cross the bridge and turn right on the path to platform 2. (E)

Start : Shirley Railway Station (B90 2NE) Grid ref. SP 106 784

Transport : Shirley is on the North Warwickshire Line running between Birmingham & Stratford-upon-Avon. There’s a twice hourly service to Birmingham Moor Street and an hourly service south to Stratford-upon-Avon (via The Lakes Henley-in-Arden and all stations in between). There is also an hourly service that terminates at Whitlock’s End. Toilets are available at this station, although you will need to venture into Shirley for refreshments and ATMs.

Refreshments: There are plenty of options for stocking up on provisions along the way. In Shirley you’ll find shops, cafés and restaurants along the busy Stratford Road. Or closer to the station there’s the Two Mugs pub or Frankie’s café. A short diversion into Dickens Heath and you’ll find Moreton’s Kitchen Bar & Deli and
the Coffee Cloud. There are also some great pubs near Earlswood, including the Bulls Head country pub, the Blue Bell Cider House and the extremely convenient Reservoir.

The Bulls Head : A traditional, dog friendly, country pub, serving home-cooked dishes prepared with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, exuding true West Midland character. Brewing up to five different ales here each month, it’s a perfect pit stop!

The Reservoir : Smack bang on your route, this is an unpretentious, family friendly pub. Whether you fancy a burger or breakfast, a pie or a steak, a curry or a delicious dessert, the Reservoir has you covered!

Blue Bell Cider House: You can’t beat the location at this historic 17th century pub sitting beside the Stratford-upon-Avon canal. They serve home-cooked food, including a Sunday carvery, and a wide variety of drinks.

Discover the Heart of England by rail at Heart Community Rail Trail here.

The Lakes are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife which you’ll spot as you amble alongside the waters and adjacent forest. Admire the historic engine house and stroll down to the Craft Centre for a range of unique, handmade gifts, ceramics, interiors and jewellery as well as a tea room.

(A) Stratford-upon-Avon Canal: These days a tranquil meander of 25 miles between Birmingham and Stratford, The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal was originally a hive of activity, shipping stone, coal and other goods by narrow boat.

Earlswood Lakes: The stars of this walk are the three 22 acre reservoirs - Terry’s, Windmill and Engine Pool. All three are stocked with fish whilst Terry’s Pool is a wildlife reserve. Oodles of trails and interpretation too!
You might well have suspected, but Earlswood Lakes are in fact man-made. They were constructed in the 1820s to supply water to the Stratford canal.
Fishermen have reported having their lines cut and witnessed attacks on ducks by a creature known as the Earlswood Lake Monster. It was, in fact, an alligator snapping turtle, proved when a 33 pound specimen was caught in 2008. The turtle is not native to the UK and it is believed it was previously a pet! The “monster” was eventually taken to West Midlands Safari park to take part in a captive breeding programme.

Earlswood Lakes Craft Centre: Eclectic to say the least! Swing by for pottery painting, an exotic animal handling experience, a Bead & Button Bazaar, beauty and holistic treatments, woodturning, cabinet making, jewellery workshops, and more. Plus the Manor Tea Rooms!