This two and a half mile stroll starts just over the border in Warwickshire and takes in three very different worlds. There is a striking contrast between the constant rumble of the M40, crossed twice on footbridges as the traffic roars by below, and the roads that time (and tarmac) forgot, Tinkers Lane and Tapster Lane. But an abiding memory of this route will be that this public footpath actually crosses the immaculately manicured grounds of Green Acres, with its private lake and the just 10 years old windmill sitting serenely on its shore.

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This three mile walking route is a plane spotter’s delight, adhering closely, throughout, to the southerly airport flight path and passing directly under it twice. It is also a great way to discover the local hamlet of Walsal End. There are alternative starting points in Hampton-in-Arden or Barston.

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Here is a lovely four mile walk for a summer weekday evening or Sunday afternoon, when you can park in Knowle without charge. (Although, for fans of end of walk refreshment, there is an alternative start point at the King’s Arms.)

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This is a cracking and varied three mile stroll that starts and finishes in Solihull’s most popular park, but it is one for when the ground is drier, when British Summer Time rules the clocks. From late April to mid May it is enhanced, as the route enters the riverside woods, by a carpet of vibrant bluebells at their best.

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This short, just under two mile stroll, certainly packs in variety, covering village centre, suburban road, open field, dense and open woodland, a drawbridge and canal towpath.

Start by parking in the heart of Hockley Heath, perhaps in Car Park of the Wharf Tavern with the intention of concluding the walk with a little refreshment there.

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Did you know that Solihull has its own stepping stones? They provide a crossing of the River Cole in the heart of Cole Bank Park, one of a string of three parks which follow the Cole on its journey through the borough.

Cole Bank Park is a Local Nature Reserve and is a haven for wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, water voles and mink.

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The northern section of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, from its junction with the Worcester and Birmingham Canal in Kings Norton to its link with the Grand Union Canal near Lapworth, opened in 1802. It is completely level until it reaches the 18 locks of the Lapworth flight, and this two and a half mile walk takes in part of that level section, between Illshaw Heath and Braggs Farm.

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Archaeologists have shown that there has been a settlement at Castle Bromwich since before Stone Age times. As a high point adjacent to a natural crossing point on the river Tame it was an obvious location for a community to thrive.

Add in the evidence found of a Roman Fort sitting on their road to Chester and a Norman Motte and Bailey and it is clear that this suburb, now shared between Solihull and Birmingham, has a rich history.

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There is real challenge in finding a good all weather walk, one along the route of which, even in the sodden early of days of 2016, the threat of wading through treacle like mud can be avoided, whilst, for the most part, avoiding traffic.

This 2.2 miler starts and finishes at the car park of the Lake at Barston, excellent for post exertion refreshment, where visitors are welcome to rub shoulders with the golfer for a drink in the Spike Bar and affordable meals of sound quality are available in the Restaurant.

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This short, two mile, country stroll is for a summer Sunday afternoon, ending as can then with one of Temple Balsall’s splendid afternoon teas. These are now being served in the Old Hall from 2.30pm to 4.30pm until the end of September, except for the third Sunday in July.

Be wary of this walk from October through to early May or even after a wet period in summer, because it be waterlogged and slippery underfoot and impassable without wellies in the final stretch.

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Not everyone is aware that one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of liquid waste vehicles has its plant in Solihull. Even fewer know that the plant is part of a 160 acre estate of woodlands and wetlands which were derelict when first acquired and have been restored by Whale Tankers Ltd into an award winning haven for wildlife and wildfowl. Part of this estate is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by the Nature Conservation Council.

This two and a half mile stroll passes through the estate and past the plant. It starts at The Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes. From there it leads to the left, past the former St Catherine’s Church, now the Catney Village Hall, and left into Henwood Lane. Following the lane for half a mile leads to the bridge over the canal.

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