Rednal Hill – North Top
250 Meters
820 Feet
22nd May 2026
We have to talk about this
There were two main reasons why, two years ago, I decided to seek out to reach the top of the UK’s counties, and shortly after, the Unitary Authorities and Metropolitan Boroughs. The first was to literally do just that. The second was in the certain knowledge that it would take me to new places. Places that may or may not present moments of unexpected interest, regardless of whether good, bad or ugly.
I was at the end of a three-night stay in Much Wenlock and exploring the area’s glorious high points, in particular The Wrekin and Brown Clee Hill. I was heading back south and throughout the morning it had been hotting up (the next seven days would see record breaking temperatures for May across much of the country). I knew that with some careful navigation I could have a wee peek at the top of the Birmingham Metropolitan Borough, on the Lickey Hills to the south of the authority.
To get there I came off the A38 Birmingham Road at Rubery, wound through some estates, then south back under the A38 into the St Chad’s Park area, and then towards Rednal. So far, nothing unusual to see, other than the obligatory handful of St George’s and Union flags, but no more or less than any similar area in the country.
But I’ll cut directly to the chase (and I don’t mean Cannock). By the time I had reached Eachway Lane, where I parked up, the parade of flags that had lined the route left me in no doubt that with the views I held, I wasn’t likely to be welcome in the area. I left the car, found a track up the north flank of the Lickey Hills and within a few minutes was standing at the top of Rednal Hill (north) and looking out towards Birmingham, and a mile or so away the site of the old Longbridge car factory. All very nice, but I wasn’t about to stick around.
Some photos to prove contact made
Going Up
The top, towards Longbridge and the city
The top, looking north and hiding a 1000 flags
I navigated back down the steep descent, and then through the pleasant woods. I drove away without giving much thought to the experience. As I wound through the streets on my way to the M40, the proliferation of flags increased exponentially. It would have done the Mall on a coronation day proud, and it definitely wasn’t a precursor to the World Cup. Every lamppost and tree available for miles flew the symbols of nationalism, and not to beat about the bush, hate. That’s my opinion of course, and I am sure that not everyone who supports the raising of the flag initiative holds divisive views, but I know where I stand, and it’s not for this.
Trip rating 0. Shame.
El Colmado 57 