Elsecar, Greno Woods, Upper Don Trail, Sheffield & Rotherham

NB: There is no rider fee for this event.

We start at Elsecar Heritage Centre and follow the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) as far as Tankersley, before heading SW to Greno Woods. From there we drop down into the valley bottom at Oughtibridge in order to pick up a very attractive riverside section of the Upper Don Trail (ODT). After emerging at Hillsborough we soon find the ODT again and follow this down to our lunch stop at Kelham Island.

After lunch we pass though the canal marina at Victoria Quays, from where we follow the very attractive Sheffield & Tinsley Canal and River Don Navigation as far as Rotherham. From there we head back to Elsecar on a combination of quiet roads, bridleways and other trails. Along the way we will visit Hoober Stand and the Needle's Eye - both are very distinctive follies built on the Wentworth Woodhouse estate.

Post ride refreshment is available at either Maison du Biere or the Market Hotel.

Lunch: We'll stop for lunch at the Kelham Island Industrial museum. There is a cafe there, but whilst the food is good the service is slow unless you just want a drink. There is outside seating in the yard so you can bring your own snap if you prefer.

Meet:10:00 for departure by 10:15.

Venue: Elsecar Heritage Centre. Please use the postcode S74 8EP which will take you to the main (free) carpark rather than the overflow carpark.

What3Words: https://what3words.com/telephone.science.dries

Nearest rail station: Elsecar (½ mile).

Type of ride: Mixture of trails, cycleways, towpaths and roads.

Technical difficulty: BLUE (Moderate), mostly good surfaces with nothing particularly technical.

Physical difficulty: RED (Difficult). Although there are a lot of flat level sections along river and canal, there is also quite a lot of climbing involved. The total (aggregate) ascent is about 2,200ft, so a good level of cycling fitness is required if you are on a standard bike.

Distance: 34 miles

Duration: 5½ hours estimated (including stops).

Suitable For: Mountain bikes (ideally), plus Gravel bikes.

Recommendations: Spare Tube, Tools, Pump, Lunch (optional), Snacks, Water.

Safety: No Helmet = No Ride!