Balsall Common Heritage Circular Trail

Frog Lane

Otherwise, turn left and almost immediately right onto Frog Lane. On the right is Cottage Farm. This is private property and difficult to see especially when the leaves are on the trees – please respect the owner’s privacy and do not go up their drive.
Frog Lane gives excellent views to the south over fields now owned by Solihull Borough Council and which it is hoped will eventually be a publicly accessible wood.

Land to the north between Frog Lane and Balsall Street East is designated for housing in the Solihull Local Plan. Frog Lane passes Frogmore Grange . Adjacent to it is The Grange that includes a Games themed cafe and amongst other things the Beatle Woods children’s play area.

Balsall Street

At the end of Frog Lane turn left onto Balsall Street and take a good look at the commemorative wall at Frog Lane Cottage. Do not cross the road – stay on the footpath travelling west. You will pass five buildings of historic interest – Fernhill Court, and on the other side of the road, Blacksmith’s Corner - The Old Forge and Wheelwrights; Hobbe Cottage; Shenstone Grange ; Wisteria Cottage . and have the opportunity for a break at Oakes Farm shop and café up the drive to the left.
Long Brook Lane and Magpie Lane.

Long Brook Lane and Magpie Lane

Carry on towards the Saracen’s Head pub but take the path at the finger post on the left before reaching Saracen Drive. Follow it along the board walk, and behind the houses to go down the steps to Long Brook Lane and then left onto Magpie Lane.

There are two outstanding buildings here – the Elizabethan Magpie Farm . and the later Baroque style Balsall Farmhouse. - both easily viewed from the road without disturbing the residents.

Take the path to the right across fields to re-join Long Brook Lane down to the junction with Balsall Street. Turn right for the main trail to the Saracen’s Head . The Saracen’s Head is not only a good place to take a break but has an extensive car park if you want to start the trail from here

Grange Farm and Wootton Lane (alternative route)

To walk the alternate trail, turn left at the junction with Balsall Street, passing Templars Cottage , carefully cross the B4101 and take the marked path across the fields of Grange Farm enjoying the wide views north. Turn left at the top of the field before Wootton Grange and go down the footpath to Wootton Lane.

Immediately on the left are two interesting buildings – Brooklands Barn and Farmhouse. Turning right on Wootton Lane we pass Wootton Green Farm and then on to Blythe Prior – another attractive Elizabethan building.

Continue on Wootton Lane and turn right up Wootton Green Lane before reaching the A452. Carry on up passing another alternate path coming in from the right, and take a marked path on the left to reach the car park of the George in the Tree pub.

Balsall Street to the A452

For the main trail, from the Saracen’s Head, cross the B4101 to the finger post on the left and enter the fields. After about 300 metres the path splits; either go straight on the alternate path up to Wootton Green Lane, or veer right down the main route to the brook and follow the path behind the houses at Needler’s End. Cross the lane which leads to Grange Farm and go straight on across the fields to meet the A452 opposite the end of Lavender Hall Lane.

An alternative route is to turn right on the marked path in the fields after crossing the lane to Grange Farm, go down to Grange Park, and turn left to walk through the park up to the A452.

Turn left towards the George in the Tree where there is another opportunity for a break and car parking.

A452 to Hall Meadow Road

Opposite the George in the Tree is a white cottage which may also be the site of the Tollhouse when this road was a drovers’ turnpike. The trail takes the path immediately to the left of the cottage passing through a small, wooded area to enter the Hornet’s playing fields. Skirt the playing areas on the left to exit by the kissing gates, cross Lavender Hall Lane and enter Lavender Hall Park.

Lavender Hall Park and the village centre

Turning right takes you on an alternate route through the park to the village centre. From the roundabout in the centre, two diversions are rewarding. North along the A452 is Crathie, number one Turnpike Close – an Arts and Crafts style house dating from 1902; South along the A452 is The White Horse pub - originally the site of a cottage selling local ale.

Hall Meadow Road to the Station

The main trail goes down the left side of the park and exits onto Hall Meadow Road. Go right and cross when you see the kissing gate on the left side of the road. The path goes through the wood alongside the West Coast Main Line.

A worthwhile diversion is to cross the line at the bridge into the Lavender Hall Fisheries where excellent breakfasts and other snacks are served until 1.00 pm.
You can then take the path through the fisheries to the right between the lakes and the railway line emerging onto Truggist Lane near the station.
The path joins Truggist Lane through a metal gate which is locked overnight. It is opened at 8.00 am and closed between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm so do not use this path outside these hours.
If arriving in the late afternoon, ask in the café if the gate is still open.