The Harborne Walkway is a former railway line that starts in Harborne and ends at Summerfield Park.

It can be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and dog walkers alike.

 

History of the Harborne Railway

The Harborne Railway opened in 1874 and was closed to passengers in 1934 and to freight by 1963. There was four stations at Harborne, Hagley Road, Rotton Park Road and Icknield Port Road. The line continued over the main Birmingham to Wolverhampton railway line and the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line at Monument Lane Junction (also called Harborne Junction).

Remains of the buttress of the bridge that used to carry the Harborne Railway at Harborne Junction (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Route of the Harborne Walkway

The Harborne Walkway starts from Forest Drive in Harborne, Birmingham, now a cul-de-sac with houses.

Path from Forest Drive onto the Harborne Walkway (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It then goes over a railway bridge that crosses Park Hill Road.

The Park Hill Road Bridge on the Harborne Walkway (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It passes the Harborne Nature Reserve and Westfield Road Allotments, alongside the Chad Brook. The first bridge you walk under is at Woodbourne Road.

Woodbourne Road Bridge on the Harborne Walkway (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The second bridge you go under is at Hagley Road.

Tunnel under the Hagley Road Bridge on the Harborne Walkway (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The third bridge you go under is at Portland Road.

Portland Road Bridge on the Harborne Walkway (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The fourth bridge you go under is at Rotton Park Road.

Rotton Park Road Bridge on the Harborne Walkway (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The fifth and final bridge to go under is at Selwyn Road, before you enter Summerfield Park.

Selwyn Road Bridge on the Harborne Walkway (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The former line of the railway continues into the park, passing Icknield Port Road, Barford Road towards Northbrook Street. Although this part is beyond the actual walkway. All that remains at the canal and exisiting railway is the brick abutments of where the former railway viaduct used to go.

The former site of Harborne Junction from Northbrook Street in Summerfield (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown