RoutesRoad cycling routesUnited KingdomEnglandWest Midlands RegionSutton Coldfield
Beacon Park – Lichfield Cathedral loop from Four Oaks
RoutesRoad cycling routesUnited KingdomEnglandWest Midlands RegionSutton Coldfield
Beacon Park – Lichfield Cathedral loop from Four Oaks
Moderate
5.0
(3)
74
riders
Beacon Park – Lichfield Cathedral loop from Four Oaks
02:04
41.7km
300m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 25.3 km for 68 m
Waypoints
A
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1
2.71 km
Sutton Coldfield Transmitting Station
Highlight • Monument
While you can't directly access the site, you can't really miss the aerial. The Sutton Coldfield transmitting station opened in 1949, bringing BBC TV to viewers outside of the south-east of England for the first time. The mast stands at a mighty 270.5 metres (887 ft) and is one of the most powerful transmitters in England, powered at 200 kilowatts ERP for digital television and 250 kW for FM radio. It's really quite an impressive tower and its signal covers a range from Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire to Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, with relay stations extending its reach even further.
Tip by
2
6.84 km
Colorful Wheel Structure
Highlight (Segment) • Monument
3
12.3 km
Whittington Firing Ranges
Highlight • Structure
Note the below as the path can not be accessed at all times... So we had to do the diversion seen in the map.
gov.uk/government/publications/whittington-ranges-firing-times/whittington-range-complex-firing-times-31-july-14-august-2020
Hopwas Woods is out of bounds for 1 hour prior to and 1 hour after the firing timings listed.
This enables staff to have time to raise flags and lock off gates and post sentries to ensure nobody enters the range danger area when firing is taking place.
We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to fully realise how dangerous it would be to enter the danger area when firing is taking place as it could lead to loss of life.
The measures we put in place will ensure this should not happen.
The bridleway from Common Lane via the range and Hopwas Hey Lane to Hopwas Bridge on the canal will be closed as per byelaws when firing is due to take place until after firing is complete.
During this time with little firing taking place, please stick to the only access route along the bridleway. We have seen a large number of people who feel they can go anywhere they want; this is not the case. Please stick to the bridleway route when crossing the range.
Gates have now been installed on both the Hopwas bridge and the Tamhorn bridge. They will be locked when firing is taking place and locked in the open position when no firing is taking place.
If you are requested by a Military Sentry not to proceed past a given point please adhere to their instructions as they are given for your own safety. All sentries are equipped with body cameras to ensure all behaviours are correct.
gov.uk/government/publications/whittington-ranges-firing-times/whittington-range-complex-firing-times-31-july-14-august-2020
Hopwas Woods is out of bounds for 1 hour prior to and 1 hour after the firing timings listed.
This enables staff to have time to raise flags and lock off gates and post sentries to ensure nobody enters the range danger area when firing is taking place.
We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to fully realise how dangerous it would be to enter the danger area when firing is taking place as it could lead to loss of life.
The measures we put in place will ensure this should not happen.
The bridleway from Common Lane via the range and Hopwas Hey Lane to Hopwas Bridge on the canal will be closed as per byelaws when firing is due to take place until after firing is complete.
During this time with little firing taking place, please stick to the only access route along the bridleway. We have seen a large number of people who feel they can go anywhere they want; this is not the case. Please stick to the bridleway route when crossing the range.
Gates have now been installed on both the Hopwas bridge and the Tamhorn bridge. They will be locked when firing is taking place and locked in the open position when no firing is taking place.
If you are requested by a Military Sentry not to proceed past a given point please adhere to their instructions as they are given for your own safety. All sentries are equipped with body cameras to ensure all behaviours are correct.
Tip by
4
24.2 km
Beacon Park
Highlight • Monument
Beacon Park features the formal Museum Gardens with floral displays and avenue of trees, along with a fountain, and statues to check out.
It also offers woodland walks, a community garden, a food kiosk and bistro overlooking the pool.
It also offers woodland walks, a community garden, a food kiosk and bistro overlooking the pool.
Tip by
5
24.7 km
Dr Milley's Hospital, Lichfield
Highlight • Monument
Dr Milley's Hospital is an almshouse for women in Lichfield, United Kingdom. It was founded on property (situated in the town ditch) given by Bishop Heyworth in 1424 for the use of the poor. The land was given, it is believed, on condition that a red rose was given to the Bishop of Lichfield (if demanded) each year on St John Baptist's Day, 24 June. It is not known when this custom ceased but it was revived in 1987 and the Bishop is now invited that day to receive 10 red roses, one for each resident.
The hospital is named after Thomas Milley, a Canon residentiary of Lichfield Cathedral, who re-endowed and probably rebuilt the Hospital between 1502 and 1504. At that time it housed 15 poor women. Parts of the present building date back to 1652 (beams in upstairs corridor dated by dendrochronology) by which time the accommodation provided for only 10 residents.
In the early 1900s the building was in such a bad state of repair that the Trustees wished to demolish all of it. The Charity Commissioners refused permission and in 1906-7 part of the building was demolished and the rest restored, leaving accommodation for 8 residents. Each woman had one room for all her needs, water had to be carried from the supply at the end of the passage and when finished with returned and tipped down the sink. One bathroom and a communal laundry room were not provided until 1967.
It was extensively refurbished in the 1980s and the Hospital now provides for 10 residents, 6 in self-contained flats and 4 in studio apartments. Each has their own kitchen and bathroom. There is also a common room, laundry, drying area and garden. There is a Chaplain who holds regular services in the Chapel. This is in the oldest part of the building, above the porch. It is possible the large beam in the entrance hall below dates back to the 1504 building.
As an Almshouse Dr Milley's Hospital still operates as accommodation for women of all ages in need of accommodation.
It is run as a Charity by the Trustees.
The building was designated a Grade II* Listed building in 1952.
The hospital is named after Thomas Milley, a Canon residentiary of Lichfield Cathedral, who re-endowed and probably rebuilt the Hospital between 1502 and 1504. At that time it housed 15 poor women. Parts of the present building date back to 1652 (beams in upstairs corridor dated by dendrochronology) by which time the accommodation provided for only 10 residents.
In the early 1900s the building was in such a bad state of repair that the Trustees wished to demolish all of it. The Charity Commissioners refused permission and in 1906-7 part of the building was demolished and the rest restored, leaving accommodation for 8 residents. Each woman had one room for all her needs, water had to be carried from the supply at the end of the passage and when finished with returned and tipped down the sink. One bathroom and a communal laundry room were not provided until 1967.
It was extensively refurbished in the 1980s and the Hospital now provides for 10 residents, 6 in self-contained flats and 4 in studio apartments. Each has their own kitchen and bathroom. There is also a common room, laundry, drying area and garden. There is a Chaplain who holds regular services in the Chapel. This is in the oldest part of the building, above the porch. It is possible the large beam in the entrance hall below dates back to the 1504 building.
As an Almshouse Dr Milley's Hospital still operates as accommodation for women of all ages in need of accommodation.
It is run as a Charity by the Trustees.
The building was designated a Grade II* Listed building in 1952.
Tip by
6
24.8 km
Erasmus Darwin House Museum and Herb Garden
Highlight • Monument
Nestled in Lichfield’s idyllic Cathedral Close, Darwin House is an independent, accredited Museum that was once the family home of doctor, inventor and published poet Erasmus Darwin (1731 – 1802). With its unique place in Georgian history Darwin House showcases the breadth of Erasmus Darwin’s interests and achievements which laid the foundations for his grandson and evolutionary biologist Charles.
Ponder in the room where leading Midland industrialists and thinkers were thought to have gathered and shared ground-breaking ideas. Discover the herbs in our tranquil garden used to season Mrs Darwin’s cooking. Learn about the medicinal qualities of plants with which Erasmus treated his patients (often free of charge!). Look through his personal journal to get a sense of his original mind and uncover what inspired his many theories and inventions including a flushing toilet and a speaking machine to name a few. Explore Darwin’s work through interactive exhibits, replica costumes and historical objects.
Ponder in the room where leading Midland industrialists and thinkers were thought to have gathered and shared ground-breaking ideas. Discover the herbs in our tranquil garden used to season Mrs Darwin’s cooking. Learn about the medicinal qualities of plants with which Erasmus treated his patients (often free of charge!). Look through his personal journal to get a sense of his original mind and uncover what inspired his many theories and inventions including a flushing toilet and a speaking machine to name a few. Explore Darwin’s work through interactive exhibits, replica costumes and historical objects.
Tip by
7
24.9 km
Lichfield Cathedral
Highlight • Historical Site
Lichfield Cathedral is a stunning medieval church and the only cathedral in England with three spires. Built from 1195 to 1340, the cathedral wasn't always a calm place – it was severely damaged during the English Civil War. During this time, soldiers demolished the central spire, smashed the stained glass and damaged the roof. The destruction was only fully repaired in the 19th century.
You can visit the cathedral from 9.30am - 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 12.30pm - 5pm on Sundays. For more information, visit: lichfield-cathedral.org
You can visit the cathedral from 9.30am - 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 12.30pm - 5pm on Sundays. For more information, visit: lichfield-cathedral.org
Tip by
8
25.4 km
Chasewater Light Railway
Highlight • Structure
B
41.7 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
30.5 km
5.67 km
2.70 km
2.68 km
163 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
24.0 km
17.4 km
166 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.
Highest point (170 m)
Lowest point (60 m)
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Weather
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Monday 13 July
28°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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