Hugh failed to locate the plotted path which from this direction is signed and clear but it doesn’t follow the route on OS or the Barnsley definitive map, it joins the track where there is a well used step stile following the black dash line on OS. At Long Lane to the south of Castle Dam there is a step stile opposite suggesting a path but it’s not on OS or Barnsley maps. Not only that but there is another step stile at the far end to continue a parallel path in the field, definitive map online suggests the stiles are the correct route....

Ken

Like so many this is a very mixed walk, urban streets offer a decent exit from Stocksbridge then a well used level waterside path with a good surface to a half way inn at Midhopestones. A quiet section of road then a short section of real field paths. Then after a path along the steep slope to the Little Don we share the road over the dam of Langsett Reservoir, sorry IRE, to reach the hamlet of Langsett with it’s extrovert tea shop opposite the Inn that does B&B....

Ken

We soon leave the main road right, following Midhope Cliff Lane over the dam of the Langsett Reservoir - there is a pavement on the west side but parts of it were under water yesterday. This is a wide compacted gravel track that goes through trees and past an activity centre to reach the Underbank Reservoir dam, from which most of the route into Stocksbridge is on pavements (apart from a paved path with a few steps that goes from Cross Lane down to Churchill Road....

Hugh Hudson

We then follow Nook Lane right to a farm building, where we take the signposted path left into more pastures. At the next farm I couldn't see any evidence of the path half right so I just followed the shorter path along the farm lane (which is easier and better used - OpenStreetMap suggests that the path I missed has been diverted to leave the lane further west beyond the farm buildings). A short walk along Mortimer Road (the pavement ends just short of our junction) and the very quiet Joan Royd Lane (no pavement) leads to another signposted path, which starts between fences a little further west than the right of way line....

Hugh Hudson

Four rather than five stars because there are a couple of road sections, but they're all quite quiet and felt safe and most have nice views. There's one busy road crossing (the A628), but that's probably unavoidable and it's not too difficult a spot for it....

Shez

This amended route is very clear and accurate, an excellent way to walk from Langsett to Stocksbridge. The route (mostly) avoids roads and provides extensive views....

DaveP