Tardebigge Locks – Tardebigge Reservoir loop from New Frankley in Birmingham

Tardebigge Locks – Tardebigge Reservoir loop from New Frankley in Birmingham

Moderate

riders

Tardebigge Locks – Tardebigge Reservoir loop from New Frankley in Birmingham

02:19

38.5km

410m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 34.9 km for 57 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

17.4 km

Tardebigge Locks Flight

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

I cycled this tow path on a road bike. Lots of rooty bits and lumpy rocks. Not ideal but it worked. Suited ideally for gravel or mtb

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19.4 km

Tardebigge Locks

Highlight • Cycleway

Make sure you've got the right tyres on your bike. I was riding my tourer and the tyres needed to be a bit more aggressive for the muddy tow path.

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21.5 km

Lock 53

Highlight • Bridge

21.5 km

Tardebigge Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Flowing gravel canal path passes this reservoir, great view and lovely pitstop.

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22.6 km

Tardebigge Top Lock

Highlight • Viewpoint

Tardebigge Top Lock is the summit of the 30-lock Tardebigge flight - the longest in the UK. From 1810-1814 it was the site of an experiemental man-powered boat lift.

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22.8 km

Tardebigge Canal Locks

Highlight • Cycleway

Great place to either grab a drink & food, see all the barges or just ride on along the Canal.

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26.9 km

Forest Downhill Trail

Highlight • Trail

nice downhill section if coming from west

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27.2 km

Shortwood Rough Grounds

Forest

28.7 km

Alvechurch Marina

Highlight • Rest Area

Situated on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, Alvechurch Marina is close to the impressive 30-lock Tardebigge Flight, the Weighbridge pub and Alvechurch train station.

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