Active Challenges

Bored of the same exercise routes? After something new to try? Looking to stretch yourself?
Run, walk or wheel them, why not try one of our active challenges?

Run, walk, cycle or wheel

Whether you choose to walk, run or wheel, we have an active challenge for you.
Our 5km and 12km routes are mostly accessible, although canal bridges may create an obstacle for some.
The Ultra should only be taken on by those ready for the challenge.

Kayak, canoe or SUP

There's a lot more to the canals in Birmingham than meets the eye. These challenge routes are accessible in whole by water only. However certain parts of the tour are accessible on foot.

Accessibility

Expand the below sections to find out more about ramps, steps and other obstacles that you might need to consider.

A mostly flat, well maintained paved surface. 12 canal bridges with raised pavers in places.

Steep slope

This is the steepest bridge on the route, although narrow will fit a wheelchair. Due to the angle assistance may be required

Sections on bridges can be slippery when wet.

A mostly flat, well maintained paved surface. Three canal bridges with raised pavers in places. Two sections of steps, one of which is multi-flight.
Short section along a road

This is the steepest bridge on the route, although narrow will fit a wheelchair. Due to the angle assistance may be required

Multi-flight steps

Sections on bridges can be slippery when wet.

RUN/WALK/CYCLE/WHEEL

Roundhouse Birmingham 5km

A nice flat 5km that takes in some great blue space along our fantastic canals. Want to explore this route another way – book onto our Green Escape Kayak Tour instead.

Distance: 5km / 3.44 miles
Height gained: 25ft

Have you done this route? How did you get on? Submit your time  and we’ll add your achievement to our challengers table!

Challenge Completed by:

Name                              Date                              Time

RUN/WALK/CYCLE/WHEEL

Roundhouse Birmingham 12km

Stepping up from the 5km, this 12km route takes you to Harborne along the Harborne walkway and then returning via the canal. A great summer route to take you along a beautiful green disused railway.

Distance: 12km / 7.33 miles
Height gained: 275ft

Have you done this route? How did you get on? Submit your time  and we’ll add your achievement to our challengers table!

Challenge Completed by:

Name                              Date                              Time

RUN/WALK

Ultra Challenge

This challenge is definitely one for the trained amongst you. The route takes in the National Trust’s Birmingham portfolio properties:

  • Moseley Road Baths (partnership property)
  • Roundhouse Birmingham (partnership Property)
  • Clent Hills
  • Back to Backs

This course is a mixture of terrain – road, canal, footpath, trails and hills and should not be undertaken by someone inexperienced in running this distance.

Distance: 44km / 26.9 miles
Height gained: 1250ft

Have you done this route? How did you get on? Submit your time  and we’ll add your achievement to our challengers table!

Challenge Completed by:

Name                              Date                              Time

Keith Wraight                   26/06/2022                  5:26:18

KAYAK/CANOE/SUP

Round the Houses
3 Loop Lap

Accessible only by boat, this 4 mile trip combines some of the greenest places in Birmingham and some of its busiest on a Summer’s day.

Distance: 4.19 miles
Height gained: 0ft – no locks

KAYAK/CANOE/SUP

A Ducks Eye View

This is our self-guided audio tour route, accessible only by those on the water.

Distance: 1.93 miles
Height gained: 0ft

Submit your time and be added to our roll of honour!

Group of runners during a Roundhouse running tour in the Roundhouse Courtyard

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