Fresh Air at the NEC National Outdoor Expo

Being lovers of the outdoors, we all know how important it is to get outside for some fresh air. Now, you may be wondering what beautiful walking routes and the NEC in Birmingham have in common and the answer is, not a lot. That’s not to say we can’t enjoy some time outside. You only have to look at an OS Map to see where the nearest greenspace is and you don’t have to go far.

Break up your day with a breath of fresh air by following this 1.5-kilometre loop around a lovely little lake called Pendigo Lake next to the NEC. Using OS Maps, make your way out of Hall 1 (home to the National Outdoor Expo) on to Pendigo Way which marks the start of the route. Head over to the footbath and follow it anticlockwise around the lake with the water on your left. Once you reach the end of the footpath, or feel like it’s time to return, just retrace your steps back to the NEC. This is a leisurely walk suitable for all ages and abilities, but care must be taken near water – please stick to the footpath and keep children close by.

NOWCA will be extending the National Outdoor Expo to Pendigo Lake by offering visitors a free open water swim. Tri Wetsuit Hire are also offering free wetsuit hire so you have no excuse not to head outside and see what’s going on.

Visit Ordnance Survey at the trail running stand, stand E10 or stand E2 for a one-month free subscription to OS Maps Premium plus exclusive discounts on nnual subscriptions and paper maps. Get all 607 OS leisure maps on your phone, both online and offline and use OS Maps to follow and record your walk around Pendigo Lake and discover what’s nearby.

This short walk should only take you 15 minutes (unless you stop for a swim!) and then you’ll be able to continue your day at the National Outdoor Expo with a new lease of life!

Click here to see the route in OS Maps.