Wentworth, Elsecar, Keppel's Column, The Needle's Eye (12.5 Miles, Moderate)

There's almost too much to see in the rolling South Yorkshire hills just north of Sheffield. It might be a little further afield than our usual outings but after this visit you'll agree that Wentworth's well worth a trip!

The Plan

Meeting at Elsecar Heritage Centre at 10am, I'll give people a chance to grab a coffee and have a nosey around the antiques and industrial finery.

Then at 10:30am we'll head off through Elsecar Park and across the fields out to Keppel's Column - the whopping 35 meter tall memorial tower.

From there we'll head to the wonderful Wentworth Garden Centre where we'll stop for lunch and have a go at getting lost in the hedge maze. (The gardens and maze cost £2.95 - optional but fun!)

After an hour or so, we'll regroup and trek out through the grounds of Wentworth Woodhouse, visiting the variety of fascinating follies as well go, including the Doric Temple, the Rockingham Monument, Hoober Stand and the Needle's Eye.

Finally it's back to the start for a drink at the Maison Du Biere at the Elsecar Heritage Centre.

Starting point

Elsecar Heritage Centre:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UxPJZqU8mdBF8rBX7

Parking

Wentworth Road Сar Park is free of charge:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/j2ae9qBtzYSEoVpN6

Public transport

Elsecar has regular trains from Sheffield.

Dogs

Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walk and in the bar afterwards.

What to bring

Please bring water and appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather and terrain. Packed lunch and snacks are optional as you can buy some food from Wentworth Garden Centre if you prefer.

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DISCLAIMER

Please acknowledge the following:
• The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses.
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part).
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself.
• Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours.
• We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

Here's a guide to the difficult rating:

• Easy - Short distance, less than ten miles and mostly flat. Suitable for anyone capable of a brisk stroll.

• Moderately Easy - Shortish distance, around ten miles, some gentle hills. For those who walk regularly but don't have too much hiking experience.

• Moderate - Between ten and twelve miles, a few decent hills with potentially steep sections. For those with some hiking experience.

• Moderately Challenging - Longer distance, twelve miles or over with lots of hills. Suitable for hikers who enjoy being out for most of the day.

• Challenging - Around fifteen miles or more, with hills, mountains and maybe the odd scramble. For experienced hikers who like pushing themselves.

• Hard - Long distance, sometimes over twenty miles, with mountains and difficult terrain. Only suitable for fit, experienced hikers.

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.