Join me on a scenic cycling adventure along the McClean Way, a historic greenway built on the old South Staffordshire Railway line. In this video, we ride the familiar stretch from Walsall to Brownhills, then continue onto the newly opened 6.5-kilometre Greenway to Lichfield, following years of community effort to revive this disused railway.
What You’ll See:
Old Railway Charm: The route pays tribute to engineer John Robinson McClean, after whom the trail is named.
Natural Beauty: Tree-lined paths, open countryside, and peaceful green corridors created from the former railway bed.
Engineering Highlights: The restored line includes a striking crossing over the M6 Toll, and sections alongside the disused track give a strong sense of history.
Community & Volunteers: Appreciate the volunteers from Back the Track, whose dedication helped clear decades of overgrowth to make this route possible.
http://backthetrack.org.uk/
Trail Access Points: We explore key access points on the route – from Chesterfield Road in Lichfield, through Fosseway Lane, Hammerwich, to Ogley Hay Road and more.
Practical Info (for Viewers Who Might Ride It):
The route is part of National Cycle Network Route 5.
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans)
The new Lichfield–Brownhills section was officially opened in October 2025, after 18 months of restoration work. I rode it on day 3 after opening.
route:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2669418406?share_token=ajQ5TA75NELJT8DaCGmZq3ZAZL7qHVRlgTx4HJ666Y72B4D93j&ref=wtd
komoot: https://www.komoot.com/user/1681213145680
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1057497
https://www.instagram.com/bike_ventures_uk/
#McCleanWay
#LichfieldGreenway
#BrownhillsToLichfield
#SouthStaffordshireRailway
#LichfieldCycling
#BrownhillsCycling
#WestMidlandsCycling
#ChasewaterTrail
4 Comments
Thanks for the vid, it was nice to see the state of the route before I made my ride on the newest bit. I've cycled the Rushall to Pelsall section for many years so it will be nice to ride down into Lichfield.
It won't take too much to level out the bumpy sections obviously subject to funding. Thanks to all the voluntears who have made this route possible
Hi sir talking to you on the Lichfield track in October me and my brother seen your video with we on there woz surprised to see we on there very nice just subscribed to your channel been watching your videos they are brilliant might see you along the Lichfield track again one day when its in proved hopefully thank you sir keep the good work going
For anyone attempting this, if you go to the right of the signal box at the road crossing you can take a much nicer track along the Lichfield and Hatherton canal into Lichfield. It follows alongside the track but is much better surfaced.
If you line your pedals to the cut-outs it is much easier to access .