Sandwell Valley Country Park has 660 acres of countryside just one mile away from the centre of West Bromwich. It has two working farm visitor centres called Sandwell Park Farm (small entrance charge applies) and Forge Mill Farm. There are many miles of footpaths, an adventure playground, a high ropes course, cycle hire, tennis courts, crazy golf and pitch and putt. With a mixture of lakes, woodland and meadows, the Country Park is popular at weekends with walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
There are organised weekly walks as well as a programme of events throughout the year. Route 5 of the National Cycleway passes through the Park for about 2 miles. Paths vary from tarmac roads to unsurfaced routes and many routes are suitable for disabled access. For further information about the Country Park including the latest events, visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/sandwellvalley.
Forge Mill Farm can be found near the lake along Forge Lane, near the car park to Forge Mill Lake. It is a working dairy farm that is open to the public and features a farm shop, playground and small animal area. Swan Pool is used by bird watchers, ramblers and horse riders. The Sandwell Valley Sailing Club operates from here and sailing and canoeing is a regular event at this lake. It is also popular with anglers.
The River Tame runs through the park and continues towards Birmingham. Sot’s Hole on the western edge of Sandwell Valley with its main entrance off Dagger Lane features woodland that is hundreds of years old.
Sandwell Stride Health Walks Tel: 0121 612 1400
Birmingham Walk 2000 Health Walks Tel: 0121 464 5000
Ramblers Association – Keep Walking Project Tel: 07876 757018
Sandwell Valley Riding Stables Tel: 0121 588 2103
National Cycle Network ( Sustrans ) Tel: 08451 130065
Cycling in Sandwell Tel: 0121 569 4012
Birmingham Ramblers Tel: 0121 705 1118
Sandwell Ramblers Tel: 0121 357 1079
West Bromwich Ramblers
RSPB Visitor Centre Tel: 0121 357 7395
Forge Mill Farm Tel: 0121 588 7210
Sandwell Valley Naturalists’ Club Tel: 0121 360 7793
Friends of Sot’s Hole Tel: 0121 553 0220
Sandwell Valley Sailing Club Tel: 0121 522 2945
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