Herringthorpe Valley and Brecks Plantation

A walk of 4.5 miles from my book Walking South Yorkshire (pages 69 - 72).

This walk is very handy, starting in my local park (Herringthorpe Valley Park) which means there was no need to travel on public transport. Sybil and I were in very familiar surroundings as we headed up the way we do almost every day. However, once we got to Gibbing Greave Wood we followed the path across the stream and around the perimeter of the wood instead of the shortcut we usually take parallel to the golf course.

Looking across to Wentworth Woodhouse

We then headed round to the adjoining Herringthorpe Wood, dropping onto the golf course to take in the view. Upwards through this wood brought us to Belcourt Road which we followed and then turned left into Brecks Plantation. We followed the path at the top of the slope and were both delighted when we realised this was our beloved Listerdale Woods, as we called it. We headed the opposite way to usual, crossing the bridge and heading upstream.

Brecks Plantation

Eventually crossing the stream we emerged into a more open area of ornamental trees such as conifer and willow. The book suggests this area might once have been formal parkland. We left the wood at Gibbing Greaves Road and headed back into Herringthorpe Wood. This time we did a circuit of the wood, climbing Great Bank where in spring rare white bluebells grow. Descending back into the wood we came out onto the golf course where Sybil took the opportunity to stretch her legs. Then it was a simple walk back through the park up to the house.

A quick run