THANKS to the work of Berskwell and Balsall Parish Council, local historians and Solihull Council’s business support team, visitors can now enjoy two circular walks in the borough.
Plotted on a new Balsall Common Heritage Trail map, the walks take visitors through the history of the common, including the site of a Victorian murder, and to a spot where the ridges and furrows of medieval fields are still visible.
Coun Andrew Burrow, Parish Councillor for Berkswell, said: “ These routes are a great way to find out about the local history of the area and with the longer route of eight miles (13km) you’ll get plenty of exercise too.
“As with the Shirley Heritage Trail, which Solihull Council launched earlier this year, the aim is to encourage visitors to the area and support local businesses as they recover from the pandemic – so please do call into our cafes and pubs on your way round.”
Coun Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, added: “We are very fortunate in Solihull borough to have some really beautiful places to visit and some very interesting local history.
“Our new Heritage Trails are a fantastic way to encourage visitors to the area and support our local businesses after what has been a very tough couple of years.
“If you haven’t visited Balsall Common yet, now is the time!”
Visitors arriving by rail at Berkswell Station will find themselves right on the route.
Maps, parking, places to eat and other information can be found at https://www.berkswellsociety.org.uk/trail/
Visit https://www.solihull.gov.uk/About-Solihull/Events to download the walking route.
