The McClean Way

​Exploring Walsall: The McClean Way (Route 5) was historically part of the south Staffordshire rail network, linking the mining landscape between Walsall and Lichfield. Between 2014–17 it was re-opened as a greenway.

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Miner statue in Burntwood along the McClean Way.

Miners Island.

A red McClean Way railway station-type sign on a stone wall.

Railswood Bridge. The McClean Way follows a former railway line from just north of Walsall town centre.

An iOS gradient marker on the McClean Way.

On the route you can see much history from the former railway.

View this route on OS Maps

Key Facts

18.3 miles, 29.4 kilometers

1 hour 30 minutes 6 hours 58 minutes

53.6% Traffic-free | 84.9% Asphalt, 2.1% Sealed, 13% Unsealed loose

Follow the little red sign This route is on the National Cycle Network.

About the McClean Way

The McClean Way, on Route 5, follows a former railway line from just north of Walsall town centre up to Brownhills, then on to Lichfield.

Part of the route forms the National Cycle Route, connecting Lichfield, Sandwell and Birmingham.

It offers a green corridor and wildlife habitats, with beautiful views over Ryders Hayes Mere and the adjacent Clayhanger Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The McClean Way reborn

We’ve worked closely with local volunteer group Back the Track to transform this former railway line in Walsall into something special.

This luscious greenway opened officially in May 2025 and now has a bright future to look forward to.

Read about the transformation here

Discover the history of the McClean Way

The McClean Way was historically part of the south Staffordshire rail network, linking the mining landscape between Walsall and Lichfield.

Built in 1848 and named after John Robinson McClean, creator of the South Staffordshire Railway and Waterworks Companies, it was a major local rail link.

The railway closed in 1984–7, and was re‑opened as a greenway for the community between 2014–17 by Back the Track.

The McClean Way map shows fantastic sights to explore on the way.

Legend

  1. Pelsall Station

  2. Railswood Bridge

  3. Norton Junction

  4. Ryders Hayes Mere

  5. Ryders Hayes Station and Level Crossing

  6. Railway Signal Post

  7. Bullows Road Bridge

  8. Clayhanger Lane Bridge

  9. Pelsall Old Railway Bridge

  10. Surge Stack

  11. Oak Post

  12. Gradient marker 287‑475

  13. Swingbridge Farm Track

  14. The Fairy Glade

  15. The Loading Bay

  16. Miners Island

  17. Brownhills Station

  18. Smithy’s Forge gate

Supported by

We’re the charity making it possible for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle.

We work directly with communities to make change happen. Then we evidence the impact to influence policies to push those changes further.

Because people powered movement changes everything. Our health. Our wellbeing. Our world. Let’s do this! www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk

Please help us protect this route

Route 5 is part of the National Cycle Network, cared for by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. Your donation today will help keep the Network safe and open for everyone to enjoy.

Please note

We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.

However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.

Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.

Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.

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