FACTORY TOUR TIPS

Do your research

As most are demolished, finding the old factory sites is as much detective work as riding. Research thoroughly online first as there’s a wealth of information and old pictures out there and plenty who have done it before.

Plan your ride

The best way to enjoy, and get the most out of, your ‘heritage tour’ is to decide which places

you want to visit and work out a practical route between them. Nottingham and Plumstead in a day is pushing it but you can cover six or more in the Birmingham area easily.

Temper your expectations Let’s be honest: not much remains. But the bits that do are intriguing, revealing and in their own way quite moving, too.