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

This is the route to use instead of ROYCRO ONE....

Debs

We walked Royston to Skelmanthorpe so this review covers the route from east to west. If you really have to walk from Royston to Skelmanthorpe on this route then I'm sorry as you won't enjoy it much. Certainly until the works on the dismantled railway are complete (maybe June 2023) we suggest just walking along the road from Royston to Mapplewell (Lee Lane B6428), which has a pavement all the way....

Pete Belsey

Where it meets a surfaced road, we turn right and follow the road into Notton. The path over to Newmillerdam is only surfaced as far as the edge of Notton, but is clear, fairly well trodden and easy to follow, the only doubtful point being just after the old railway is crossed, where there are two paths down to the Chevet, and it is easy to miss the first one, which is the right of way....

Hugh Hudson

if you follow the original route via Cold Hiendley you will need to tackle unmarked footpaths and fields with no clear access, its extremely difficult and not a pleasant walk. Instead, from Anglers I would walk through Haw Park Woods to pass the end of Cold Hiendley Reservoir on the west (as opposed to the east end) then use the path alongside Barnsley Canal to Navvy Lane....

Debs

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

This is a very good route with varying landscapes and pleasant views. Accessible and fairly safe....

Carl Boardman

The middle section goes directly through an industrial estate with heavy goods vehicles coming through. After this when joining Shaw Lane you have to walk on a busy fast road with with blind corners and no pavement making it very unsafe....

Carl Boardman

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

danravenellison

This is a great route and a lovely way to get between Newmillerdam and Royston. I think a good alternative would make use of the old railway line. The route would be longer but easier maybe....

danravenellison

This starts in an urban built up area going along busy roads where I passed the St John The Baptist Church. Sandybridge Road is a busy road to cross, then I entered a stable yard and fields with horses. This village has busy narrow roads and is poorly served with pavements meaning I had to cross the road when I didn’t want to....

Carl Boardman