I started at Sheffield station and finished at Swallownest, 2 hours 10 minutes later with no stops and only a little dithering. I'd characterise the route as having 3 sections: city streets and park paths, woods and fields in the outer part of the city and a section on roads from Woodhouse station to the end. Go to the end of StradBroke at Sheffield Road and follow that to Beaverhill Road and go down there to rejoin the bridleway though Flockton (who were Sheffield architects) Park, or stay on the road to the railway station and rejoin at Furnace Lane. Later on, the path after crossing the railway at Woodhouse station is found by turning 180 degrees at the foot of the steps on the far side. At the top of the climb, Manor Lane, just off City road has a fish and chip shop. The next shops are on Furnace Lane, after Woodhouse station - a chippie and a paper shop....

PeteS

I walked from Rotherham in two stages breaking the journey at Meadowhall South tram stop. Leaving Rotherham the route passes the train and tram station before taking to the canal towpath....

Ken

It goes alongside rivers and canals for most of the route, and has the super-convenient stopping point of Meadowhall shopping centre half way along....

Susan

There's a barrier across the road and a squeeze gate to it's left. The squeeze gate is where you want to go. From there, its a long walk down Plank Gate. Towards the end of Plank Gate, you have to leave the main track as it goes uphill. The public footpath goes around the side of the gate (there's a very low stile). It's easy to miss the turn off (I did) at the bottom end of the wood. There is a place on this section where the path goes down to the river. After heavy rain it's entirely likely that the path goes *into* the river so you might need to backtrack. The path is easy to follow down to a bridge at Neepsend and it's all streets and pavements to the end. It's a bit twisty around Kelham Island, where you'll find lots of pubs and cafes, but it's easy to follow after that....

PeteS

It starts in the pleasant town of Dronfield with a walk through quiet residential roads. You walk past the water tower (a water tower) and turn right at The Water Tower (a pub, sadly closed atm), then there’s a pleasant walk down, and then up through parkland and out into suburbia past the famous green towers....

Susan

I walked this, starting in Dronfield, with my sister, stopping at her house for lunch, as she lives quite near to the Water Tower, just beyond halfway. We soon left Dronfield and headed through a series of well-used field paths which were quite muddy at the time....

Mary Oz

This route isn't the shortest and most direct but it takes in Rother Valley Country Park and Shire Brook nature reserve, which are worth visits in themselves. Most is on good paths, often beside the road, with just a few stretches of dirt path beside the river Rother near the start and through the first half of Shire Brook Valley nature reserve. If you stick to the route, there are significant flights of steps at railway lines (with a ramp for bikes), a chicane next to them, and a couple of smaller, rougher flights in woods which can be avoided with a little planning. The TPT and you part ways when you turn off to walk beside Rother Valley's lake but if you want to avoid the railway footbridges and a few wooden steps in the wood next to them, you can keep following the TPT until the routes join again at the top end of Rother valley park. Soon after passing the Cumberland pub, turn right down some steps and follow the dirt path to a meeting of ways. Again, the route could do with some refinement here but as long as you keep going East/West (or vice versa) you'll end up in the right place as the whole reserve and the main paths are oriented this way. Where the route crosses Richmond Road, you have to option of a 10-15 minute detour up Richmond Park Road to the massive Asda which has a cafe and toilets (check web site for cafe opening times). If you want to save your aching feet and cut out that climb, carry on to the end of Maltravers, go down Broad Street to Park Square (possibly popping into the Wonkeresque Granelli's sweet shop), and climb the steps on the left and keep left to reach the path to the railway station....

PeteS

Allow enough time to get to the edge of Sheffield, which for me took 5 hours, so you aren't caught in the dark. Dogs may not be allowed on Stanage Edge at times because of nesting birds near the path. The weather there can be be brutal, with Stanage Edge particularly being very exposed. At the top, it's across grassy, heather moors to a swampy track approaching Moscar Cross before going down to the path along Stanage edge which is mostly rocky. The path turns wet, grassy and muddy again, except for the paved sections, as you skirt Redmires Reservoirs but improves once you leave it, passing beside and through woodlands on the outskirts of Sheffield. Pay attention to where you leave Stanage Edge and take the path to Stanage Pole and Redmires. The route after turning off The Conduit towards the Sportsman pub just passes between some football fields with no path once you've turned. Just before the path rejoins the road, theres an almost 180 degree turn that goes a little way downhill in almost the reverse direction and a minute or so later, you zig (or zag) again to go down to Manchester road. If you're prepared to carry on a bit further along Stanage Edge, beyond the Stanage Pole turnoff, there is Robin Hood's Cave, though it's unlikely Robin ever used it. Stanage Edge is also the place Keira Knightly stood on the cliff top for a famous scene in Pride And Prejudice. There are temporary path closures on the Stanage Pole to Redmires section until the end of March 2024 for tree felling. Therefore, go down Clough Fields but take the public footpath on the left about half way along - you can see it on a map - and follow that path to join another path that climbs up from Back Lane. Follow the joined path up into the stable yard, to resume the route. From the old Lodge Moor hospital there is the 51 to Sheffield, from Crookes shops there is the 52, and from Glossop Road onwards there are a number of services, although you're near the end by then....

PeteS

Once you get through the bogs and can see a path you can walk the rest on a stone covered path, the GPS may suggest walking through the Heather but stick to the path....

James Preskey

There are public loos in Hathersage so have a comfort break here as there aren't any other opportunities before Sheffield. There is a pub at Ringinglow which is about half way and then cafes and public loos in both Forge Dam and Endcliffe Parks so there are more opportunities to stop on the Sheffield side....

Katy L

As we walked from Hathersage, there was lots of uphill walking and breaks needed as we ventured out of Hathersage and into the open fields and rocks. An alternative to walking directly through the heather is to walk up an over the rocks....

Philip Foster-Dennison

As noted in other reviews, the railway crossing near Wharncliffe side is blocked. Ended up having to walk quite a long way around. Stoshe route 3 seems to avoid this issue....

Shez

On the roads, there was always pavement, although I did have one issue at the top of Manor Park Crescent, where a lot of building work was taking place....

Tim Ryan

There is however a better crossing about a mile further north which this route uses....

Tim Ryan

I walked this route in September 2023 and there are locked gates on either side of the railway crossing....

Tim Ryan

An excellent walk, outstanding scenery and a nice safe route....

Tim Ryan

This route reflects my experience of following SHESWA one - it is essentially the same route but plotted in a way that should make it easier to follow, particularly from Sheffield to Swallownest and reflect what the best paths do on the ground. I also made a few very minor changes to streamline the route, so it is not quite what I walked. For a more detailed review with pictures, see SHESWA one....

Hugh Hudson

We follow the tarmac paths uphill, turning left below the steps then right along Raynald Road. The sharp left turn down to Archdale Road starts further south than the GPX file (which may show a path that used to exist but was blocked by new houses) suggests. We turn left down Fretson Road then right round The Circle and Circlc Close to a small park, which we cross to reach Prince of Wales Road, the A6102 dual carriageway, which can be safely crossed using pelican crossings to the left. We continue down Ravencarr Road and turn right past the Alison Business Centre on a tarmac path which leads us into a park and across Castlebeck Avenue. We cross Richmond Road and turn left over the A57, then take the TransPennine Trail cycle path right, which follows the A57 down into Smelter Wood....

Hugh Hudson

Prickly nettle filled footpath after Coal Aston petrol station after which there is a straw filled field...

Josh

Turn left on London Rd and cross at the crossing near ///frames.pushy.will follow Saxon Rd and then turn left on to the path at ///fats.clots.lived at the end of this path you will rejoin the original route at ///jams.jokes.skill. Rather than turning down Troutbeck Rd at ///chairs.third.fried, continue along Abbeydale Rd to ///tags.change.bared and then turn left down to the Tesco car park, where you will meet the original route. In my opinion it is better to follow the path on the western side and cross at ///help.exam.begun, there is an island crossing here and the traffic is slow due to the adjacent roundabout, the crossing felt very safe.4...

Tom Mitchell

Really pleasant walk, some challenging paths at times with rocky terrain but overall a good walk with a lot of scenic overlooks. As there are some gates to climb over, this walk wouldn't be wheelchair accessible....

Brad

I'm an inexperienced walker and while parts of the route felt challenging it was very achievable...

Jenna Dixon

Hathersage Moor then awaits, and is overgrown - the path on the route is quite vague here, and we ended up just cutting across it, through some bogs, due to a lack of defined path. The final stretch from Hathersage Moor to the town itself is mostly very pleasant, across a few fields, largely downhill (notably steep in places), through a field containing cows, and finally onto some roads. Overall, a very pleasant if challenging walk, with some considerable obstacles along the way (bogs, roads, steep inclines / declines, uneven terrain), which makes it fairly inaccessible for around 40-50% of it....

Joe Richards

A couple of the paths near to Carl Wark were boggy but easy to navigate. The short bit of the route after Carl Wark to the road the path trod on the ground deviates a little from the Right of Way on the OS map but is navigable if competent with map & compass....

Shamsa Riazat

The next 3 miles are very green following a stream which may well flood if standing water alongside and damage to the path surface in places is an indication. At Smelter Wood the green corridor narrows and is joined by a busy road but here we join a tarmac path before meeting a minor road which allows a safe crossing of the main road. Some estate road walking and a climb then a dip across another large green patch with a view of the vast cemetery and a final climb to the remains of The Manor after which the area is named....

Ken

From Stockbridge it's an immediate climb away from the main road with the view across the valley improving all the way. The view then changes to the valley of reservoirs on the Ewden Beck. The contour walk towards Coumes Vale Plantation offers a stunning view over Oughtibridge towards Sheffield and the Beech tree leaves provide a golden carpet on the path. Initially with a green view into the valley although a brief sleet shower clouded my appreciation of it. I wondered why the route moves to the busy road, while our path is very open the Slow Way is surrounded by large car sales sites....

Ken

It takes you through a mixture of environments and nothing too challenging....

HCE12

A steady climb along estate roads out of Dronfield after departing along the main drive through the park, not as plotted, another green space approaching Coal Aston. Crossing the Meers Brook at the exit from the nature reserve this route climbs again to pass the impressive green towers before a steady roadside descent into Sheffield passing the huge bus depot and a castle like lodge. I didn't like what I'm sure is an unnecessary climb to the green towers, I'm sure there must be a better route that continues downwards....

Ken

A bit of road walking with light controlled crossings then onto the Sheaf river side walk starting where the water goes underground and under the railway station. We meet the Sheffield Country Walk at a ford with no bridge, stones just kept my boots from over topping. Once on the south bank we stay that side, the main trail crosses again after our route turns to head south through Ince Piece Wood and crossing Back Lane before returning to an urban landscape and roads that lead to the forlorn bus stop which to my mind is the wrongly located Eckington meeting point....

Ken

We cross Green Lane and continue down Callywhite Lane, then turn left into Cliffe Park slightly further west than the GPX line, and follow the path out right to join the public footpath that comes up through industrial buildings. We turn left to join this path, then right a short distance along Stonelow Road then left up Oakhill Road, turning left onto Holmesdale Road where there are shops. On the far side, we turn left using the pavement, which is some distance from the road, and follow it along Norton Avenue and Hemsworth Road then a short distance up Blackstock Road to a gap in the hedge where we cross and continue along Hemsworth Road, turning right down Ashbury Lane and continuing down the path at its end, which crosses a golf course between fences and leads into Carr Wood. We follow the paved path below the road to the right, following Callow Road below the tower blocks then going left up Callow Drive to find the surfaced path (with steps) past Gleadless Medical Centre to Gleadless Road, We turn left and cross at the traffic lights, turning right up Daresbury Road, which leads to East Bank Road, which we cross at the lights then follow down the hill to the left....

Hugh Hudson

We cross High Street and go straight on down Waingate to cross the river Sheaf, then turn right along the riverside path, which we follow under the A61, turning left just before the railway bridge, then right across Savile Street (using pelican crossings) and up Spital Hill. Beyond the houses we take the path up steps to the left, taking the left branch where it forks and following past the adventure playground to the cemetery wall, where we turn sharp left to find the main entrance to the cemetery. We take a surfaced path straight on down to Firshill Crescent, where we turn right, then left onto Firshill Rise. The path through the park is surfaced, and steepens as it approaches Elm Lane, with steps at the top, We go left and cross the junction onto Buchanan Road, taking the vehicle access road right into the park, where we continue down the surfaced path beyond the car park. Our path goes along the edge of several fields (some of which were very wet and muddy when I walked them) then steeply up the hill to meet the bridlepath along the top, where we go left a short distance then right down into a new housing estate, which unfortunately complicates navigation - we turn right at Chapel Road then left down the first road (Willow Crescent?) and taking another alleyway left, which crosses Willow Crescent again to pick up the old path to the right which leads easily down to Ecclesfield Road, where we go left under the first railway bridge, then take the second road leaving the roundabout to the Chapeltown meeting point at the railway station....

Hugh Hudson

Walked from Dronfield to Sheffield.This is almost a very good route, but the plotting is wayward in important places and the dangerous road crossing mentioned by the first reviewer can and should be avoided. When walking north from Dronfield, note that the footpaths can only be reached from Wilson Road at the sign where the first footpath goes left - the footpath diamond on the OS map on the cul de sac is wrong. The plotting of the route down East Bank Road suggests a route through the parkland that doesn't exist....

Hugh Hudson

Descending into Burbage valley and then ascending the along the side of Carl Wark, I would suggest following the very visible path down, rather than the suggested routing....

Ben

Pleasant, calm and quiet route that takes you through some very different Sheffield suburbs, parks, woodland and fields. The route was safe and fit for purpose, but did include some pretty steep and uneven steps in Hartley Brook Dyke that some might find challenging....

Ben

Started in Rotherham to head back to Sheffield from Rotherham Station, and we were aware that some of the route was shut, but expected clear signage to get back onto the canal route via main roads. Until everything reopens again, this is not a route for a casual expected route as there is not enough guidance to let you know where you need to go....

Philippa Norwood

On leaving Hathersage village, North of the main road to Sheffield, in the first wood, when in doubt stick to tracks on the downhill (South) side of the wood, always heading East. When leaving the Limb Valley, the path continues next to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road. The only other stop-off without leaving the route is the Hardy Pick pub where Little London Road meets Broadfield Way. As you reach the road when exiting the Limb Valley, it's well worth taking 10 minutes to look around Whinfell Quarry Garden which is almost immediately left of the valley exit. There is a section as you leave the Tesco by the road where the route goes into a tiny gap in the bushes. Instead, keep going up the road from the Tesco and rejoin the route at the top of Troutback Road about 150m further on. Another obstruction is a fence blocking the footbridge across the river on Broadfield Road, just before Clyde Road. You can go down Clyde Road but a better route is my old walk to work which is a bit nicer. This was not to turn off Little London Road at Broadfield but to carry on down Little London Road until it goes under the bridge and rather than passing under, carry on down the path....

PeteS

It’s a walking or running route over a cyclist / accessible route due to steep inclines and stairs....

Rebecca Ryan

An excellent route between the city centre and the Peak District town of Hathersage through parkland, trails and open moorland....

Tim Ryan

I did walk the section from SK 338 836 to SK 354 857 as shown in the photo. Part of the route described in Hatshe2 along the Sheaf valley is not possible to walk....

Tim Ryan

But closed sections, with no explanation in some cases where the path was open again made for a frustrating walk, Once open again this would be a really nice route....

Tim Ryan

Once you reach the road at Worrall, it's mostly a case of going straight along in the same direction, until you reach the Langsett Road turn-off: no navigation needed. At Wadsley, you'll pass the Sportsman pub and there's a paper shop across the road if you feel you've earned some sweeties. Just after that, on Langsett Road, there is the Hillsborough bus interchange. There is then a period of walking down beside the dual carriageway but once you turn off that into Kelham Island, you're in the city centre and you'll find increasing numbers of places to stop, shop or sit down. The path Eastwards out of Bolsterstone that parallels Sunny Bank Road goes along the northern edge of a copse. The other is, after coming out of the wood at Glen Howe Park, the public footpath turns South East and eventually goes through what looks like someone's garden gate to join the driveway that links to Raynor Sike Lane ( https://www.osmap.uk/#19/53.44133/-1.56132 ). I have written to the council to prevent a reoccurence, but if you should run into these despicable devil-birds, I would suggest doing as I did, which is to return to the exit from Glen Howe Park wood and instead extend your route along the westward path until you reach the road. Then you can go South and South East to Bent Hills Lane and Raynor Sike Lane and then East to rejoin the route at Acre Lane....

PeteS

There is a long stretch of road waling on this road, it is only a B road but, the cars do come past at speed on the road and there are no footpaths. There are alternative routes that can be used, they are slightly longer but, you wouldn't spend as much time on the road....

Andy Hobson

Unfortunately part of the route where it left Plank Gate and crossed the railway line near Wharncliffe Side was inaccessible (the gate to the railway line was locked)....

Sam G

I really enjoyed walking this route, with a nice mix of fields, parks and urban walking. A great way to get between Chapeltown and Sheffield. Someone will be able to suggest a more direct route option....

danravenellison

Great views, great places to eat and a real mix of urban and green sections on this route. Definitely bring waterproof footwear if it has been raining....

Magid

I actually walked Sherot 2 which is identical to Sherot 1 from the Tinsley M1 Roundabout to Rotherham. Sections of the towpath here are currently closed or due to be closed until 31/3/2023. There are advised diversions in place, but this means that this exact Slow Way is not entirely possible for a time....

Mary Oz

From OS Grid Ref: SK 42630 92702 to the Rotherham Station is closed until 30/7/2022 due to flood defence works2...

Mary Oz

It follows the River Don as far as possible, but includes some road pavements, and also part of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal towpath. After crossing the tramline and passing under the M1, the route follows the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, past several locks....

Mary Oz

A really pleasant walk from Sheffield to Hathersage encompassing a mixture of the industrial history of Sheffield along the River Sheaf, through to woodland walking through Ecclesall Woods and the Limb Valley as you leave the city, followed by open moorland walking across to Hathersage. There is one area across the moors above Hathersage where the paths can be unclear and in poor weather conditions may require the use of map and compass to determine the correct route. This area can also be very boggy underfoot....

paul.scholey

Overall it's a great route along the canal (without any roads), but it would be much better if it started at the Sheffield canal basin - there's no need for the start bit past Hyde Park tram stop and down an almost-deserted Lumley Street. I also can't see the reason for the bit where it leaves the canal and joins the road for a while near IKEA. You can just continue along the canal no problem....

Sam G

A pleasant walk from Dronfield to Sheffield along mainly quiet roads and across arable farmland. Once the rote gets closer to Sheffield city centre the path inevitably starts to follow busier, albeit safe roads. There is one particularly dangerous road crossing over a busy and fast dual carriageway with a break between carriageways....

paul.scholey

Estate walking includes steps, kerbs and steep slopes; field walking is uneven rutted paths, narrow at times. The only main road walking is through Ecclesfield - but it has shops on it, and a chip shop with outside seating, so you probably won't mind! Some estate walking, so again lots of kerbs, steps and other obstacles....

Rachel

The footpath for the Sheffield half is a little uneven and muddy, flat after Rotherham. A great mix of nature, old and new industrial architecture. All off road from Sheffield canal basin to Rotherham Station....

Kathy B

Nice walk especially as you leave Sheffield and head into the Peak District, variety of terrain and paths wildlife can include Lapwings and Common Lizards. Some very narrow stiles that would be difficult for wheels also a small section on the busy A57 which is unfortunate....

paudepaul

Additional detours on the route include a number of footpaths that descend into the Rivelin Valley that would give you the option to walk along the River Rivelin on well maintained paths. The first opportunity is near Fox Hagg, leading through the Water Treatment Works onto Manchester Road, however this includes a section of stepping stones which flood after heavy rain....

paudepaul

Major alteration to suggested route is to include the Sheffield canal basin to see the famous straddle warehouse building....

Bre King

A great walk from Sheffield to Rotherham. Some quirky street art at the Sheffield end of the route....

Kathy B

Quite steep ascent out of Hathersage and from Mitchell Field up to Hathersage Moor....

chhan