The route starts from the Village Hall where an information boards shows the parish walks. We are soon out of the village but the path initially a track passes through a small independent settlement of Hall Fold, a mix of old and new. A concrete drive leads to Pule Hill Hall a busy farm through which our path passes, it was a bit muddy, but then there had been a lot of rain. This path is the only one on route that shows limited use. Meeting the road I recommend a walk through Locke Park, ignore the footpath to one side the small detour to the main path is worthwhile....

Ken

Setting off from Royston- good meeting point and refreshments- soon into off road paths. At the end of the field the land drops down, and here was a few metres of serious sticky cleggy boot sucky mud (photo 8), which needed to be crossed to reach the gap in the hedge where the footpath goes into an area of reclaimed colliery works at Carlton: there’s a small lake, with benches, and paths. I did need to use the gpx to get across the rec ground, because it’s so big I couldn’t see where I was heading (photo 11). At the southern edge of the rec ground is a busy road (no formal pedestrian crossing point), then the next part of the route....

Jane Taylor

There were some safety/accuracy problems which probably only show up when walking from Royston towards Barnsley: a steep slippery path down to the A61, which I felt failed the ‘safe’ criterion, especially for a careful, slow, not very agile solo walker; and a misleading drop down to a dangerous section of road at Smithies Lane, requiring an equally dangerous backtrack. I’ve put up a new version Three which corrects the problems, but is otherwise as this route (which is generally very good)....

Jane Taylor

I'd certainly walk it again and think everyone who likes walking in Barnsley and Royston should give it a crack!...

danravenellison

I haven't walked this exact route, but I walked BARROY two from Barnsley to Royston last year and the changes here are minor and look sensible. I will copy more of that review over when I have time....

Hugh Hudson

It might be possible to use the grass slope alongside the steps but an alternative route may offer a path slope....

Ken

Be careful on the short road section into the village itself where there isn't a pavement, although there is a verge if you need it. The next section is mostly across fields and skirts round the Canon Hall Country Park and Canon Hall Farm. Cross the main road to go up through a short wooded section and then across fields into Skelmanthorpe, where you join the road (with pavement) into the village....

Pete Belsey

This leads easily down to Smithies Lane, where we cross the river Dearne and follow a path up to the right, which has a couple of stiles, onto an old railway path that we follow left. Just beyond the bridge over Smithies Lane a little path (easily missed) goes right through a small strip of land between gardens, and another flight of steps takes you up to Wakefield Road through a vet's car park. Using the pylon ahead it is fairly easy to walk the right line, and beyond the lane the path is clearly visible, leading up to Royston without any further complications....

Hugh Hudson

Starting at Worsbrough, we follow High Street up to the junction with Bank End Road. A couple of steps lead up to the junction, we cross Bank End Road and the path up the hill is immediately opposite, a paved path with a lot of short flights of stone steps....

Hugh Hudson

There are a number of flights of steps, one of which to avoid an area of mud at the southern end of Dearne Valley Park. It would be great if someone local shared a step and mud free alternative....

danravenellison

I suspect that someone local will be able to suggest one or two other good routes to contend with this one....

danravenellison

There are dropped kerbs to cross roads but few controlled crossings and the vehicles were travelling fast especially as I had to cross A61 slip roads on the Barnsley inner ring road with no marked or controlled crossings....

Mick Nott

We've heard that the route goes through Wentworth Castle Parkland which is now owned by National Trust. That part of the route is only accessible by paying and accessing through the carpark. Thubar two is an alternative that uses the Dove Valley Way instead and is a kilometre shorter....

Slow Ways Cristie