Route Developer: Martin Phelan
Route Checker: Ann Griffiths
[1] From Leverton & Halls cafe (A), facing the cafe, turn right - opposite are the Almshouses (B). Turn left into Linden Road and continue steeply downhill to cross Bournville Lane and continue ahead to the entrance to Bournville Park.
(A) The Tudor style shops at the start are thought to be the first shops in Bournville - built in 1897. The first houses in Bournville were built in 1895 on the north side of Maryvale Road.
(B) The Almshouses - 33 of them, with free coal, water and gas, were built 1897-8 for over-60s, preference being given to Cadburys employees.
[2] Over to the right is the site of the Cadburys Factory (C) and further on, on the right, is Bournville Parish Church (D).
(C) George and Richard Cadbury moved from Birmingham to this site in 1879. The Recreation Grounds opened in 1896 and the Pavilion in 1902. Next to these is the Works Dining Rooms block, though the building incorporated many other facilities, completed in 1927. The statue in front of this building was given in 1933.
(D) Bournville Parish Church, dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, was opened in 1925. Note the wildlife, there are thrushes and blackbirds in the park.
Enter Bournville Park (E) to take the path ahead on the right hand side of the Park to exit onto Oak Tree Lane.
(E) Bournville Park was another element in the plan for a good working and living environment for Cadbury workers. It was opened in 1907 and transferred to Birmingham City in 1920.
[3] Cross the lane to turn left on the pavement and then right between gateposts, over a tubular parapet footbridge, to follow the surfaced path ahead, part of the Valley Parkway (F).
(F) The Valley Parkway was another Cadbury idea to promote the health and welfare of workers and leads from Bournville to Weoley Castle. This 'greenway' idea was one later copied by Birmingham City Council.
[4] Cross Woodbrooke Road to continue along the Valley Parkway, passing a path to the right and go over a footbridge. Continue ahead with the Wood Brook on your right, to the Bournville Model Yacht and Power Boat Club building (H) and ahead to join Bourneville Lane.
(G) Woodbrooke was the original home of George Cadbury, which in 1903 was opened as a Quaker Study Centre.
(H) The Model Yachting Pool on your right was created in 1932.
[5] Turn left into Woodbrooke Road to cross the zebra crossing outside the Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School (I).
(I) The Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School was established in 1951.
Turn left along Woodbrooke Road to rejoin the outward route at point [4]. Retrace your steps to re-cross Oak Tree Lane but do not re-enter Bournville Park. Instead turn right to follow Selly Oak Road (left hand pavement) uphill.
[6] Immediately beyond 'Bungalows 89 91 and 93' turn left to take straight, surfaced & enclosed path ahead, crossing Beech Road. At end of path turn right on Linden Road to climb steeply back to the start point, re-crossing Bournville Lane.