Start your walk in front of the most famous Birmingham landmark of them all: Old Joe.
The Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock, based in Chancellor’s Court, is the largest free-standing clock tower in the world. Old Joe has seen over 100 years of Birmingham history and has provided a nesting site for peregrine falcons since 2006.
Walk under Old Joe to face the Great Hall.
The centrepiece of the University, The Great Hall was built in 1900 as a ‘cathedral to learning’ and is now a Grade II listed building. Take a look inside to see the Hall’s magnificent trompe l’oeil domed ceiling and marble entrance.
Follow the path around to the left (with Old Joe behind you) to the Bramall Music Building.
Built in 2012, this contemporary concert hall hosts a series of live music, comedy and speaking events throughout the year. Looking for a pit stop? Head inside the Bramall to grab a cup of hand-roasted coffee from Fellows Coffee Shop.
Next, take a right turn past the Poynting Building and travel towards the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
One of the finest small art galleries in Europe, the Barber is home to an outstanding collection of Western art. Even the building itself is a work of art. Designed in the 1930s, this Grade I listed building is a wonderful example of Art Deco architecture.
Turn right after the Barber and head towards the Guild of Students.
Over 130 years old, the Guild is one of the largest Students’ Unions in the UK, representing over 37,000 students. Don’t miss the iconic mermaid fountain at the centre of Mermaid Square. Inspired by the University’s crest, the fountain was created by William James Bloye in 1961, crafted out of bronze and stone.
Turn left out of the Guild of Students and walk past Physics East, before turning down towards Sport & Fitness.
Boasting Birmingham’s only 50m swimming pool, the University’s sports centre is home to some of the world’s finest fitness and sports facilities. From the building’s entrance, you’ll be able to see Bournbrook Sports Pitches directly in front of you.
Walk past Bournbrook Sports Pitches and Terrace Huts to reach Ring Road South. You’ll find the Lapworth Museum of Geology, with its colourful plant pots, in front of you.
Home to one of the most extensive geological collections in the UK, the Lapworth is a treasure trove of natural wonders with its very own allosaurus, Roary.
Carry on past the Lapworth and Old Gym on Ring Road South to face University Centre.
As the name suggests, this is a hub for student life, featuring eateries, shops, a hair salon, and other essential services. With University Centre on your left, walk past Staff House before taking a left to get to Main Library.
A striking gold and grey building, the Main Library is home to over 2.1 million printed books and journals, plus 1,800 study spaces and a Research Reserve.
This consists of 1.5 million items, bringing together some of the University’s important heritage print collections. Stop by Fellows Coffee Shop at the Library to fuel the remainder of your walk.
Walking past the Main Library, you can enjoy the beautiful green space that is the Green Heart.
Take a moment to listen out for the many birds that call this lush, 12-acre space home, or the rush of water cascading down the area’s water feature. Follow the path round to North Gate for panoramic views of the area before looping round to walk past Muirhead Tower.
As you walk back towards Old Joe, make sure to look out for the Donor Pathway and PaveGen walkway.
The Donor Pathway is made up of over 1,000 bricks, inscribed with dedications to donors who have supported the University’s students through life-changing opportunities.
Once you pass this, you’ll see PaveGen below your feet, which generates electricity through the power of footfall to power the USB charging points found in the Green Heart’s benches.
Once you’ve reached the PaveGen walkway, continue walking straight (towards Old Joe) to complete the route.
