Walsall

'If you fancy getting away from it all, Barr Beacon might be just the nature reserve for you. Its only 3 miles from Walsall town centre, and it's one of the highest points in the West Midlands. It offers spectacular panoramic views, and from the top you can see surrounding landmarks including the Wrekin, Cannock Chase, Lichfield Cathedral, Birmingham City Centre, and the Lickey Hills. It's the high-point of the Beacon Way and a favourite walking spot for locals ...'

'Merrions Wood is a wonderful oak and beech woodland 3 miles from Walsall town centre. Most people, when they visit for the first time, are amazed that this secret woodland is there, tucked away with its beautiful but unassuming entrance next to the historic Merrions Wood Lodge ...  A walk up the main path (which is actually part of the Beacon Way national trail) will amaze you at all times of the year, as the canopy of leaves and branches above form a natural cathedral.' ALERT Website no longer accessible; referenced Facebook Page instead.

'Walk On is a programme of led walks in parks and countryside sites across the borough of Walsall. The walks are delivered by both a qualified walk leader and back marker to be able to cater for a range of abilities. All walks are free of charge.'

'If you think you might like to try us out for a few walks then you will be made very welcome, and can obtain an understanding from the photographs on our Site of the typical places we venture to throughout the year.'

'This green route is from Sandwell at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, and goes via the outskirts of Birmingham through the countryside of Walsall and into Staffordshire. The walk takes in the Forest of Mercia, lakes, nature reserves, woods, and the banks of canals. The northern end links with the Heart of England Way on Gentleshaw Common. Only the section from Sandwell to Chasewater is shown on OS maps.'

'A walk through Cuckoo's Nook and the Dingle nature reserve will take you through two completely different habitats, created by two different types of soil. The same walk will also transport you across 60 million years of geological time. That's because the reserve lies over a geological fault line, where on one side, coal measures lie near the surface, and on the other, limestone lies near the surface. This has a direct effect on the plant life that you'll find above the soil.'

'Spend the day walking and cycling around Walsall and you will be surprised by what you discover. There is something for everyone - from art galleries to parks, gardens and lakes.'