Heritage walks show secrets of Spaghetti Junction

Spaghetti Junction is one of England's most iconic structures

Organised tours are giving people a rare opportunity to see Birmingham's Spaghetti Junction in all its glory - without a car.

The Gravelly Hill Interchange is considered an iconic structure, long explored by urban adventurers and history buffs.

For many people, seeing what lies underneath the tangle of tarmac has remained an unfulfilled dream.

However, guide Al Hassall is putting on walks this week as part of Birmingham Heritage Week.

People are being invited for organised tours

The ten-day programme of events includes walks, workshops and other activities to bring the city's heritage to life.

Mr Hassall wants his walks to give people a chance to see underneath the famous free-flow interchange, and demonstrate how it ties into the city's industrial history.

Many people don't know how to see underneath

"It's an unusual space but one with a wealth of history," he said.

"Many people have wondered what it is like to go down but people don't know necessarily how to get down and whether it would be safe once they do.

"Coming on an organised tour has been great for people to have the chance to see what's underneath."

The huge feat of engineering is instantly recognisable to those in the Midlands

The huge feat of engineering, which connects Birmingham to the motorway network over canals and a river, took four years to complete, opening in 1972.

And while not everyone sees the giant concrete structure as beautiful, architecture expert Dr Michael Dring said people should appreciate what it represents.

Whether or not the Spaghetti Junction is "beautiful" may divide opinion

"It's a wonderful structure," he said. "It was designed as an image of the future for the city.

"It engages with the landscape and introduces people into the city so it does have its own beauty."