Waseley Hills Country Park

Panoramic Peaks and Verdant Valleys: Waseley Hills Country Park, West Midlands

Location: Waseley Hills Country Park, Gannow Green Lane, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9AT (This postcode will take you to the main car park and visitor centre.)

The Walk: Hilltop Views & Valley Exploration

This suggested walk offers immense flexibility, allowing you to create a route from approximately 2 to 5+ miles, combining the park's iconic hilltops with its quieter valley sections.

1. Starting from the Car Park/Visitor Centre: Begin your walk from the main car park, located near the Windmill Café (a great spot for refreshments before or after your walk, with doggy ice cream available!). Head out onto the paths leading into the park.

2. Ascend to the Viewpoints: The highlight of Waseley Hills is its elevated position, offering truly spectacular panoramic views. Choose a path that leads you up one of the hills (like Windmill Hill). From the summits, you can often see across eight counties on a clear day, spotting familiar landmarks and the vast West Midlands conurbation. Keep your dog on a lead in these popular viewpoint areas.

3. Explore Open Grasslands & Pastures: After reaching a viewpoint, venture out onto the expansive open grasslands and pastures. These are fantastic for well-behaved dogs with excellent recall to enjoy some off-lead running and exploration. Be aware of signage regarding specific fields.

4. Encounter Livestock (CRITICAL): Waseley Hills Country Park actively uses grazing cows (typically from April to October) as part of its conservation management. These animals may be present in certain fields. It is absolutely essential to keep your dog on a lead when livestock are present and give them a very wide berth.This is for your dog's safety, the livestock's welfare, and to avoid legal issues. Look for and obey all signage regarding grazing areas. Recently (as of Spring 2025), specific fields on the south side of the park have additional lead requirements to protect skylarks (a 'red list' ground-nesting bird).

5. Venture into Woodlands: The park also features attractive woodland areas. Look for paths that lead through the trees, offering shaded trails, varied scents, and a different walking experience. These can offer quieter spots.

6. Choose Your Trail (Waymarked Options): The park has two waymarked trails:

   • Skylark Trail (approx. 0.5 miles): Shorter, with some steep sections, grassy and unsurfaced. Good for a quick uphill stretch.
   • Rabbit Trail (approx. 3 miles): Longer, also with steep sections, grassy, unsurfaced, and has steps. This route offers a more comprehensive exploration of the park's hills and valleys.

7. Looping Back: The park's network of paths allows for various circular routes. You can combine hill climbs with valley strolls, creating a walk to suit your energy levels. Use the park maps (often available at the visitor centre) to guide you.

Important Considerations for Your Walk

• LIVESTOCK & SKYLARKS (CRITICAL): ALWAYS assume cattle may be grazing (April-October) and keep your dog on a lead when in or near fields with them. Additionally, obey all signage regarding 'dogs on lead' in specific fields (e.g., on the south side) to protect ground-nesting skylarks.
• Lead Etiquette: While off-lead walking is popular in open areas, dogs should be kept on a lead near the car park, visitor centre, play areas, busy viewpoints, and whenever passing other park users (especially children or cyclists). Ensure excellent recall.
• Mud: Be prepared for mud! Even the mown grassy paths can be wet, and lower sections or woodland trails often have standing water, especially after rain.
• Water for Dogs: Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog, especially if you're undertaking a longer, hilly walk or on a warm day. The Windmill Café sells doggy ice cream!
• Dog Waste: Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. Dog waste bins are provided in the North and South car parks and the picnic area.
• Exposure: The hilltops are exposed to the elements. Dress appropriately for sun, wind, or rain.
• Shared Space: The park is very popular with a wide range of users, including families with young children, runners, and cyclists. Be courteous and share the paths respectfully.

Why Your Dog Will Love This Walk

• Invigorating Climbs: Great physical exercise leading to rewarding hilltop views.
• Vast Open Spaces: Plenty of room to run, play, and explore (with careful consideration of livestock/wildlife zones).
• Rich & Diverse Scents: The mix of grassland, woodland, and open air provides a continuous sensory feast.
• Freedom to Roam: Excellent opportunities for off-lead play (with vigilant owner supervision and adherence to rules).
• Doggy Ice Cream! A special treat available at the Windmill Café.

Overall:

Waseley Hills Country Park offers an outstanding and incredibly varied dog walking experience in the West Midlands. With its breathtaking panoramic views, diverse habitats, and network of invigorating trails, it's a fantastic destination for a memorable and rewarding outing with your four-legged companion. Just remember to be highly mindful of the presence of livestock and sensitive wildlife, and be a responsible owner to ensure a great time for everyone.