'I'm on a mission to explore the West Midlands'

Sarah O'Connor is on a mission to complete 50 walks in the West Midlands

"We've got waterfalls, great hikes. We're just in the best area of the country, there is so much to show off about this place and I haven't even scratched the surface."

Sarah O'Connor, from Bearwood, Birmingham, has built an online following through exploring the West Midlands and finding things to do.

With more than 100,000 followers combined on Instagram and TikTok, her pages have become a one-stop shop for people looking to explore cities, nature reserves and food spots in the West Midlands.

Recently she has started a series exploring 50 different walks people can do around the region.

"When I originally started the page I wanted to force myself to get out a little bit more," she said.

"I'm one of those people who can't stay still for too long so it really helped me start exploring."

Baggeridge Country Park has a tea room, a miniature Railway and camping site

What started out as a casual attempt to get out and about more, has grown into an online community where people can recommend hidden gems for all to roam around.

She said one of her favourite recommendations was Baggeridge Country Park.

"I'd never heard of it, but when I started the challenge all the comments were telling me I had to go visit.

"I thought: 'Oh gosh I've never been to this place, what is it going to be like?' But when I went it was so lovely.

"They've got this miniature railway that I went in with my friend's two-year old, I felt like a kid as well," she joked.

"It is all ran by volunteers and you can also walk to Himley Hall from there, it really is a gem for me."

'So many people care'

Kinver Edge was another place she was eager to visit, with its red-rock cave houses and remnants of an Iron Age hill fort.

"The view from the top with all the colours on clear day, I absolutely love that walk.

"I also love Leasowes Park and I can't wait to do that in autumn, but hopefully I'll find more places to go.

"So many people recommend places and that is something I never expected starting this, that so many people care about it and show you their local area,"

"People really do love this region, we just need to be a bit more outspoken about it because places like Manchester or Liverpool, they shout it from the rooftops."

Through her series she hopes more people will proudly show off their area.

"I've found out about places I never knew existed and the West Midlands is such a beautiful place that needs more good representation."