Sheffield Round Walk (15 miles)

I know it's short notice but the weather on Saturday looks too good to miss out on a walk! :)

Starting the Sheffield Round Walk from Endcliffe Park Cafe, you're in for a delightful mix of urban parks, wooded areas, and beautiful countryside views. Here's a detailed description of what to expect:

Start: Endcliffe Park

Distance from City Centre: Endcliffe Park is just a short walk from Sheffield city centre, making it a convenient starting point. You can easily access it via public transport or by walking.

Description:
Endcliffe Park is a beautiful green space with large, open lawns, a tranquil river, and tree-lined paths. As you begin your walk, you'll follow the river for a bit, which gives you a peaceful start. You might pass joggers, dog walkers, and families enjoying the park.

The park itself is split into various sections, with a children's playground and even some sports facilities, but your focus will soon shift to the leafy trails and surrounding woodland as you leave the park behind.

Section 1: Into the Woodlands

From Endcliffe Park, the Sheffield Round Walk leads into Whirlowbrook Park and the surrounding woods. The path here becomes a bit more rugged, winding through dense trees and along narrow trails. You'll begin to ascend slightly, with the sound of the nearby River Sheaf fading into the background as the woodland envelops you.

There are a few steeper inclines as you leave the park, but the effort is rewarded with more expansive views of the Sheffield Valley below.

Section 2: Forge Dam and Ecclesall Woods

As you continue along the route, you'll come to Forge Dam, a small, peaceful reservoir nestled in the woods. It's a great spot for a quick break if you want to enjoy the calm surroundings. This section of the walk is especially picturesque, with the trees reflected in the water and plenty of wildlife to spot.

After Forge Dam, the walk heads into the more substantial Ecclesall Woods, which forms part of the larger Sheffield Woodland Heritage. Here, the trail offers a great sense of remoteness, though you’re never far from the city. The mix of dense trees, open glades, and occasional views of the surrounding hills provides plenty of variety.

Section 3: Ringinglow Road and the Peaks

Once you've made your way through the woods, you'll begin the climb up to the Ringinglow Road area. This is where the Sheffield Round Walk really starts to show you why the city is so special: the combination of urban and natural beauty.

At the top of Ringinglow Hill, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Peak District and the surrounding hills. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Stanage Edge and the moors beyond. It's a great place to stop and take in the scenery, perhaps snapping a few photos before continuing.

Section 4: Hathersage Road and the Edge of the Peak District

As you progress, the route takes you through the edges of the Peak District National Park, with a mix of country lanes and open fields. The landscape becomes more rugged, with dry stone walls and rolling hills surrounding you. The trail stays high up on the hills for a while, offering those long, sweeping views across the city and the countryside.

You'll pass through some quieter, less populated areas, and it’s easy to feel like you're miles from Sheffield, even though you're never too far from the city.

Section 5: Meersbrook Park and Heading Back

After the peak of Ringinglow Hill, the walk takes a gentle descent toward Meersbrook Park, another lovely green space that offers a great spot to catch your breath before finishing the loop. The park has open fields, historic buildings, and plenty of green space to rest. It’s also home to Meersbrook Hall, which has a lovely café where you can grab a refreshment if needed.

At this point, you're back on familiar ground, entering some of the city’s more residential areas before the final stretch back to Endcliff Park.

Key Highlights from Starting at Endcliffe Park:

• Endcliffe Park: A tranquil beginning with beautiful river views and wide open spaces.

• Forge Dam: A peaceful reservoir perfect for a quiet break.

• Ecclesall Woods: Beautiful ancient woodlands full of wildlife and natural beauty.

• Ringinglow Hill: Stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

• Meersbrook Park: A perfect final park to relax in before completing the walk.

Practical Tips:

• Difficulty: Moderate, but there are some steeper sections, especially around Ringinglow Hill. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as some of the paths can get muddy.