South Yorkshire

Wharncliffe Chase and Wharncliffe Wood make up a large area of Open Access land on the north edge of Sheffield.  Steep, tree-clad slopes rise from the River Don to the rocks of Wharncliffe Edge, where there are good views across the valley.  The route passes through the woodland and traverses the edge, then returns over open grassland, giving an invigorating contrast.

Just beyond the north-eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park the River Don cuts through a high gritstone landscape between the towns of Sheffield and Stocksbridge. Despite the proximity of housing and industry, a fine day’s walking can be enjoyed on the heights flanking the Upper Don Valley. The fast-flowing waters of the Don itself provide early interest, then steep slopes, woodland, reservoirs and hidden hamlets keep you going. At the cost of an occasional road crossing, this route shows that good walking is easily accessible outside our national parks.

A sheltered, wooded route that follows the River Don, with an abundance of flowers in spring and summer, and the nature reserve of Sprotbrough Flash, with its birdlife. Conisbrough has two gems: the church, which dates back to Anglo- Saxon times, and the castle, with one of the finest Norman keeps in the country. The river bridge at Conisbrough Station makes shorter walks possible.