Get away from it all on two wheels Birmingham’s canal network is a great resource for cyclists with a range of routes of varying lengths, heading out through the city and beyond. The quickest way to reach the countryside is to head east into Warwickshire or south into Worcestershire, although heading west through the Black Country also takes you through some surprisingly tranquil spots, interspaced with architecture from the region’s industrial past. As Birmingham is fairly high up, riding out of the city tends to be mostly downhill – complete with some spectacular flights of locks – but it is worth remembering that the return journey will require some uphill pedalling. Gas Street Basin – just off Broad Street in the city centre – marks the central point of Birmingham’s canal network and most routes can started here, although it is, of course, possible to join the canals at many points en route. The main routes out of Birmingham are as follows: Worcester and Birmingham Cana