Wath Wood and Roman Ridge

This is a walk from my book Walking South Yorkshire (pages 73-76). The distance is five miles, but I added a couple by walking to Rawmarsh and back from my house. This took about an hour either way, but being Sunday the buses weren't too reliable and probably wouldn't have let us on on the way back, as we were covered in mud!

We arrived at Victoria Park at 11am for Sybil to have her first taste of freedom, after being on the lead for an hour. We then left the park at the top and crossed the main road to head down into Warren Vale Nature Reserve. This is a mainly wooded site with an area of grassland adjoining Birch Wood, where there was an interesting-looking bridge to cross.

Viking Longboat Bridge

Walking through a couple of fields, we reached Blackamoor Road where Sybil was getting over-excited due to a German Shepherd in front of us and a Golden Retriever behind. Thankfully the owners of the (very well-trained) German Shepherd decided not to head across the stile we were aiming for and carried on. I soon saw why as the ground behind the stile had disappeared under a small lake of water. I negotiated my way around (and through) this while Sybil decided to nip over a stone wall separating the footpath from a garden. After a telling-off we headed up Abdy Lane and into Wath Wood where we were informed by my book we were walking along the Roman Ridge.

The Roman Ridge

Temporarily reaching the road, we left it again to visit the Pottery Ponds, where a couple of men were feeding the ducks and lone goose some bread. We visited Waterloo Pottery Kiln but couldn't get a good picture as the sun was right behind it. I'm not into history too much but still found the information panels interesting.

Eventually managing to cross the busy A633, I promptly proceeded to get us both lost in Creighton Woods Nature Reserve. I soon managed to put us right however, luckily noticing the concrete bollards of the former car park. The next bit of the walk was very pleasant, heading down and then back up fields with some great views all around us.

Ambling along

The walk then ends up back at Victoria Park, but instead I headed down through Rawmarsh to walk us back home the way we had come.

Shirtcliffe Wood from Flockton Park

A walk of 4 miles from my book Walking South Yorkshire (pages 21-24).

This was the walk that very nearly didn't happen. First of all our walk into town along the canal took longer than I expected, but with a bit of jogging we made it in time for the train which just happened to be delayed anyway. Then just as the train was due, an announcement came over the system that the train would no longer be calling at the stop I wanted and would be terminating at Sheffield. Great, a whole hour to wait in temperatures of -6 degrees. I was in two minds whether to do the walk or not by this point, but I figured we could easily be back before it got dark.

When we finally arrived at Woodhouse station, we headed down to Flockton Park where Sybil had a much-needed run off-lead. We crossed Beaver Hill Road and strolled past the trees towards the field that led to Shirtcliffe Wood. The morning was deliciously frosty and the ground crunchy underfoot. Winter is my least favourite season but on mornings like this I have to wonder why.

Frosted leaf

We had the wood to ourselves for awhile as we followed the brook through the trees and out into the open, only to leave it to head uphill for some fantastic views over the valley. I noticed a treecreeper at the base of a tree, but it quickly disappeared before I could take a photo.

Heading uphill

Finally reaching the summit we headed along a path bordered on each side by a hedgerow. We then followed a path at the edge of a field until walking back down towards the woods. Walking along the top of the hill was by far my favourite part of this walk, and I can only imagine it is even better in spring when the countryside is coming back to life.

Shirtcliffe Wood

I got a bit confused at this point as to which path I should be on; nevertheless the wood wasn't huge and we were soon back on the right track. We crossed the stream to enjoy the other side of the wood as the path wound through the trees. I noticed two jays hopping about at the top of one of the trees, but they stayed too well-hidden to attempt a photograph. We were soon back crossing over Beaver Hill Road and into Flockton Park, where Sybil had a quick play with a Jack Russell Terrier before we arrived back at the train station with only ten minutes to wait for the train. Luckily, the travel went smoothly on the way back.

Following the Tracks

I wanted to do a decent local walk, so I decided to take Sybil up to Silverwood but also to extend the walk by following the old railway tracks that run from Ravenfield past Thrybergh. I have followed them to Ravenfield before when I visited Ravenfield Park, but this time I was heading in the opposite direction to the end of the tracks.

We got to Silverwood quite quickly, as it is a route we have travelled many times before. Dalton Brook was swollen with water, as it has been on our last two visits. In fact the brook has burst its banks, so to speak, and now runs over the path which is handy to wash your boots in, as the path to Silverwood is very muddy!

Chilling at Silverwood

We joined the tracks after crossing Holling's Lane and were soon passing Thrybergh. Steep banks to either side led up to houses, whose occupants (or other locals!) had unfortunately used the old tracks as a dumping ground for their rubbish. Our way was littered with settees, mattresses and other household debris. The tracks tunnelled under a couple of roads before running alongside the steelworks, where our rambling was accompanied by the sounds of clanging and banging from the huge buildings.

The tracks

The trail suddenly widened, with a view of fields to our right. Eventually passing the steelworks, we emerged onto a grassy tree-lined path with a delightful wetland area full of birds down a small slope. The huge lake was patrolled by a pair of swans with small flocks of waders dancing in the air every now and then. This urban oasis was totally unexpected and I simply stood and watched the birds for a huge amount of time.

Urban oasis

Before reaching the lake I had told myself that I wouldn't be repeating this route, and I very nearly turned back. The covering of ice over nearly half the lake added to its beauty. Electricity pylons were visible in the distance and there was the sound of trains where the old tracks joined onto the main ones, just over the steel bridge next to the lake. These things made the lake seem even more special, somehow.

Heading back via the way we had come, just before reaching Holling's Lane we had a close encounter with a kestrel. I noticed it hovering nearby before it dropped to the ground. Its dinner had obviously gotten away as it soon perched in a tree. It continued to hover but by this time Sybil was growing restless stood about so she ran back the way we had come. Another beautiful moment then happened as the kestrel dropped to her height and flew alongside her, within a foot of her. We then left the kestrel in peace and headed back home, after doing over nine miles on this glorious clear day.

Woolley Wood and Concord Park

A small walk of 3.5 miles from my book Walking South Yorkshire (pages 13-16).

This was an ideal easy walk for me and Sybil as it began in Meadowhall Park and Ride car park. There was a quick five minute train journey from Rotherham and we then joined the Trans Pennine Trail towards Chapeltown. We left the TPT at Fife Street and jogged across the road at the traffic lights. Turning right we joined Ecclesfield Road and headed up towards the woods on the left.

Looking for squirrels in Woolley Wood

We climbed up through the woods for twenty minutes or so, accompanied only by squirrels which delighted Sybil. Eventually we emerged onto a golf course which was quite busy with golfers and their expensive golf sets. Not wanting to be chased by an angry golfer in pursuit of their golf ball, I put Sybil back on the lead until we reached Concord Park.

Resting in Concord Park

Sybil enjoyed a huge runaround here. After playing with her for a while, we both had a drink and a quick sit down to admire the views over towards Grange Park and Keppel's Column. We then followed the edge of the park round until we got to an A-frame which lead back into Woolley Wood. Apparently the name of these woods means "woodland clearing frequented by wolves". Well, the only "wolf" in these woods today was Sybil, barking up trees as squirrels continued to evade her.

Jelly Ear Fungus

Heading down into the woods and along the main path, I spotted several different types of fungi. One of them I have seen before at Potteric Carr; I was told it is called Jelly Ear Fungus. There was a longer walk through woodland this time before we arrived back at the entrance on Ecclesfield Road. Another saunter along the TPT back to Meadowhall just in time for the train and the walk was over. Sybil was being so well-behaved today that I decided to walk her along the canal towards home. There were a fair number of swans on the water but luckily she wasn't interested in chasing any of them.

Contemplating life by the canal

Chinley Head

Today's walk took myself and Sybil to Chinley to follow a walk detailed in my More Peak District Walks book (pages 28 to 30). This one was five and a half miles long with 1,250 feet of ascent.

We set off from a very sunny Rotherham with blue skies and little in the way of clouds. Leaving the train at Chinley station we looked up to see low cloud rolling in off the edge of the moorland. Hmm, being a bit of a fair weather walker this unnerved me a little. Ah well I had step-by-step directions so I couldn't possibly get lost. Right?

Heading up towards Cracken Edge, we got lucky in that either sheep don't roam round here or they had all been moved down towards greener pastures. Either way Sybil really appreciated the off-lead time and certainly made the most of it, running a little too close to the cliff edge at times for my liking, but never mind. The views across the Chinley valley were fantastic, and I'm sure some photos would have been fantastic too if not for two things: One - my general lack of ability to capture landscape with low cloud partly obscuring the view, and Two - the fact that some numbskull had forgotten to check how much battery life was left. Never mind, here's one I managed to get of Sybil near the start:

Sitting above Chinley

Walking on past Chinley Churn I promptly became confused as my book instructed me to 'zigzag down beyond the corner of the wall', as I zigzagged down to find a sheer drop in front of me with the path 10 feet or so below. Sliding down to meet it we turned the corner to find my worst fear: a herd of cows. With Sybil on the lead we tiptoed past the hugely uninterested beasts and descended past a couple of farms, one of them named Peep-O-Day Farm.

Lone sheep

Crossing the road, we skirted round Mount Famine and headed down through the fields where we encountered a dead sheep; nothing left but fleece and bones, which had been picked clean. We then walked down a track where Sybil enjoyed some more freedom, under the railway and down into the village.

Padley Gorge and Longshaw Estate

Sybil and I haven't been out walking for a while, as two weeks ago she cut her leg open in the woods near my house. She had to have five staples in her leg and as I didn't want to go walking without my little buddy I stayed in to take care of her.

Today though we got the train to Grindleford and walked up to Padley Gorge. Not wanting to overdo things on account of Sybil's leg my plan was to head up to Longshaw Lodge and back. Padley Gorge is one of my favourite places in the Peak District. It also offered a chance for a run for Sybil as sheep are quite scarce in these woods.

We headed along the path with the sound of the brook rushing by below and to our right. The leaves were just starting to change colour. The canopy was still mostly green but with the occasional gold or orange coloured tree amongst it.

Autumn colours

On reaching the gate Sybil was put back on her lead and we crossed the road and headed up towards Longshaw Lodge. Passing the pond a group of ducks about ten strong headed over to us, no doubt to see if we had any food. The tea rooms were open but we gave them a miss, heading instead back the way we had come after checking Sybil's leg was fine. Another chance for a run on the way back made for a very happy and sleepy dog on the way home.

Scholes Coppice and Wentworth Woodhouse

This walk is from my book "Walking South Yorkshire" pages 87-92.

Today was Sybil's birthday so, wanting to treat her to a pleasant walk, we set off on this drizzly morning on two bus rides up to Kimberworth Park. The walk begins off Oaks Lane in a small woodland close to Keppel's Field. We got a quick glimpse of the Column before heading in the opposite direction into Scholes Coppice.

A drizzly Keppel's Column

Following the Rotherham Round Walk route we left the woods and headed up into farmland. From the top of the hill we had a good view of Keppel's Column, Wentworth Church and Wentworth Woodhouse, where we were headed. But first we walked down towards Dog Kennel Pond which on this grey morning was deserted save for what seemed hundreds of pheasants, which tormented Sybil who was straining to get off her lead and chase them.

Dog Kennel Pond

She was to stay on her lead for a while yet though as we walked through Wentworth Park and past some cattle. Passing the huge stately home known as Wentworth Woodhouse we entered the village and had a quick rest just as the sun was finally making an appearance. Before heading up past the garden centre we passed through a small woodland where we disturbed a small rodent which quickly scurried away through the undergrowth.

Walking up towards Scholes village we went slightly wrong and ended up a field further down than we should have been. Walking along the edge I noticed a large herd of slightly frisky looking cows. Trying to pay them no heed we walked straight up to the top fence where there was no obvious exit. Getting slightly nervous now I decided to climb over the rickety wooden fence strewn with barbed wire. Sybil slid underneath with room to spare; however I ended up getting my clothing caught but eventually landed clear with a grazed hand and twisted ankle. Turning round I saw that the cows had indeed followed us up the field and were standing watching us, seeming rather bemused.

Curious followers

Feeling rather foolish we walked through Scholes village and left via the footpath back into Keppel's Field. House martins were swooping low over the grass while a kestrel hovered nearby. Truly tired now, Sybil happily let me clip her lead on and we headed back to the start point.

Canklow Wood Heritage Trail

This walk is from Walking South Yorkshire (pages 61-64).

Flicking through my book I found another walk I could complete without relying on public transport. It also made the two-mile walk a bit longer as it took just under an hour to get to the start point. Extra exercise for Sybil is always welcome!

The walk starts in Boston Castle Park past the college I used to go to, bringing back fond memories. We skirted along the edge of the park until we joined the woods through an A-frame and followed the Fuelling a Revolution waymarker. Heading up to the viewpoint we paused and had a quick rest.

View from Canklow Woods

We continued following the main path, more direction given by the waymarkers than by the book itself which was fine as I could relax and enjoy watching Sybil chasing non-existent squirrels. After turning left at the multi-stemmed oak tree Sybil stopped to play with a little mop with legs (it was very cute) while his owner and I chatted about our dogs' bad habits.

The oak tree

Heading down to the houses on the estate we branched right and turned back on ourselves. Accompanying us now was the sound of the busy main road; thankfully not as close as it sounded so I didn't have to worry about Sybil heading down to it. The wood opened up into scrubland. A squirrel headed towards us on the path, spotted Sybil, froze and ran back the way it had come. Luckily Sybil had not seen it as ironically she was too busy looking up into trees for them!

Bracken and Birch trees

Instead of climbing the slope back up to the park, we stayed to the left and walked around the outside which gave great views towards Meadowhall and Sheffield to the left. Up past the edge of the cemetery and to the top of some steps and we were back in Boston Park, ready for a quick rest before walking back home.

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

Hathersage, and Sybil's first swimming lesson

Today I decided to do a walk out of my new book, More Peak District Walks. This one appealed to me as it was on the Hope Valley line and included a riverside walk.

After leaving the station I headed to Leadmill Bridge and stopped to admire the view of the river. Much to my delight I spotted a dipper heading downstream. It bobbed a few times on a rock, then dove into the water to catch itself some dinner.

River Derwent

We then headed along the riverbank, following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. A couple of fields away, a group of people appeared to be clay pigeon shooting so the sound of gunshots accompanied us along the riverside. Eventually reaching the stepping stones, I put Sybil back on the lead with the aim of us going across side by side; however she was soon jumping about like a mad dog, hopping in the river and making the stones wet and slippery so I thought well, every woman for herself and let her off the lead. I was slightly concerned about her due to the size and depth of the river, but she was soon swimming about, albeit not very happily.

Stepping stones

Crossing the river was very unnerving. By the time I got halfway across, I was crouching and using my hands. I could see the headline in the newspapers: "Girl and dog swept away by river", but in fact Sybil had other ideas and by the time I caught up with her she had unfortunately found a flock of sheep and was practising her sheepdog skills. Luckily she doesn't hurt sheep but she still got a quick telling off and I checked each field before letting her off after that.

The walk then continued through several fields with outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. One in particular had views across to Stanage Edge, a cliff of stone popular with climbers.

View to Stanage Edge

The track descended into a delightful little wood known as The Warren with a brook running through it. Thus began Sybil's second swimming lesson when part of the stream was a lot deeper than expected! She was getting the hang of it now though and soon dried off with a good shake as we headed up to the church to visit Little John's grave, before going back into Hathersage and catching the train home.

Little John's grave

Bamford Well Dressing and Win Hill

On Tuesday I found out that Bamford's well dressing was on display. Having never seen one before, and Bamford being easily accessible by train, I decided to go and visit on Wednesday.

We got off the train at Bamford with Sybil in a good mood, having been fussed by a large group of schoolchildren until they left the train at Dore. She then didn't mind waiting while I took some photos.

Can anyone guess the theme for this year?

The village was dressed up for the occasion with coloured flags strung up between houses. There were scarecrows in front of some of the houses; finding a poster I discovered there had been a scarecrow competition in which the villagers worked together to create the best scarecrow with an Olympic theme. Bamford seems full of community spirit and there are noticeboards and posters throughout the village advertising events such as dog shows, carnivals and the like.

Bamford

We then left the village and walked up to Ladybower. I decided to take a slightly different route and followed the footpath to Heatherdene, which cut through a lovely wildflower meadow.

Common Spotted Orchid

Wildflowers

The bellmouth spillways at Ladybower were overflowing, evidence to the wet summer we've had so far. As I've walked around the reservoir before I decided to take a path leading up to Win Hill. The map said it is called Parkin Clough and it is quite steep and rocky.

Parkin Clough

Being not very hill-fit I took quite a few rest-stops on the way up. A man passed me and I asked him if it was much further. "About 100 metres or so," he said. Well, it turned out to be "or so"!. We finally reached Winhill Plantation where Sybil had to go back on the lead as there were sheep about. This bit seemed even steeper, although there were steps cut into the hillside; thankfully it was not as long as Parkin Clough and we could soon see the top. This gave me an extra burst of energy and we got to the trig point soon after, where there were fantastic views of the reservoir and the Hope valley.

Ladybower Reservoir

Sybil at the trig point

The wind picked up which made it difficult to get my map out, so I decided to head back the way we had come. That way we wouldn't get lost! On the way back down Sybil scared a young woman heading up by barking at her. She was quite a bit further down than I but knowing that she would only bark if someone had startled her and that she wouldn't bite anyone I shouted her back, apologising to the woman who quite rightly had been pretty nervous. She was very nice and we had a little chat before heading our seperate ways. I only managed to slip once on the way down which was lucky considering how wet and muddy it was. After a quick rinse in the stream at the bottom for both of us, we headed back to the train station.

 

Ravenfield Park via Silverwood

I wanted to do a decent walk that was near home, so Sybil and I set off up to Silverwood, which we usually visit at least once a week. Today however, I was going to extend our walk to Ravenfield Park. We headed off down the Rusty Bump, along the bottom fields and across Far Dalton Lane until we reached Silverwood. At the top a lovely breeze was blowing so I stopped to have a rest and cool down before we headed up to the lake.

Silverwood Lake

At my last few visits I have seen little wildlife on the lake; however today I was delighted to see a swan family complete with three cygnets and a mallard family with too many ducklings to count. I made sure Sybil was lying firmly at my feet, as the first time we came here she headed into the middle of the lake and promptly got stuck in the mud, and it was up to me to wade in to rescue her.

Swan family

We then walked up to Holling's Lane and crossed it to join the old railway track that runs past Thrybergh up to Ravenfield.

Walking the old tracks

Leaving the tracks just before the village we joined another public footpath past St James' Church and through a field of wheat. Although the wheat was just below waist height, it was much taller than Sybil and she wasn't happy at only being able to see the path in front of her. Every so often she would stand up on her back legs, front paws dangling, and bounce a few times to try and see over. I swear I have never met a stranger dog.

"I can't see!"

We eventually reached Ravenfield Park and turned left to walk through the woodland. Being a Sunday the fishponds were busy with fishermen and so coming back Sybil had to go on her lead, which she hates. I didn't want her knocking any unsuspecting fishermen into a pond.

View through the trees

Incidentally on the way back she did knock a man flying at Silverwood, but only because she wanted to play with his spaniel. She doesn't realise how fast she actually runs; then when I call her she can't slam on the brakes quick enough before she either falls over or runs into someone (or something).

A really pleasant walk, the weather was maybe a little too warm but I now have a nicely tanned face. Mileage covered today: 9.46 miles

Day Three - Boat of Garten and Loch Garten RSPB

On Wednesday the steam train was running up to Boat of Garten, about six miles from Aviemore. I wanted to visit Loch Garten to hopefully see an osprey, and I'd read that the steam train to Boat of Garten was the best way to do this, with a two and a half mile walk up to the reserve from there. We boarded the train at half past ten. Originally I had planned to get the train one way and walk back to Aviemore via the Speyside Way, however with the rain and also my feet still hurting from yesterday's walk (yes I'm a lightweight!) I decided to get the train both ways.

The steam engine

We left the train at Boat of Garten which seemed a lovely quiet little village. The residents were also very affluent, judging by the size of most of the houses. We then walked through Abernethy Forest, following the blue trail to the Osprey Centre. We arrived at the loch just before midday, and stopped to take it all in before going to the visitor centre.

Welcome

Unfortunately dogs aren't allowed into the centre, so I tied Sybil up and hurried through to the building before she could slip her collar and eat a squirrel. That wouldn't look good on an RSPB reserve. The centre was further away than I thought but I finally got there and peered through each of the binoculars before spotting a huge osprey leap out of a tree and fly past. The CCTV footage from the nest was being shown live on several screens in the centre; the female osprey was keeping her chicks warm which was lovely to see.

I didn't want to risk staying any longer so I hurried back to Sybil, pleased to have at least got a glimpse of an osprey. They really are much bigger than I thought. We had a few hours before our train left back to Aviemore, so we took a steady walk around the loch and back through the forest.

Loch Garten

Loch Garten

Day Two - Loch Morlich

After looking at pictures of beautiful Loch Morlich on the internet, I had decided I wanted to visit. It was within walking distance from Aviemore and back, so on Tuesday morning I packed some sandwiches and Sybil's tennis ball and we set off at around half past eight. The walk there was beautiful, along a forest path which unfortunately ran too close to the road to let Sybil off the lead.

Rothiemurchus

Between the trees you could see the mountains, and when there were no cars going past all you could hear was birdsong. Chaffinches in particular were everywhere. The weather had changed since the day before, and a refreshing fine drizzle was coming down. The rain had caught in thousands of spider webs all along the path, in gorse, heather and even in the trees, making them sparkle and even for an arachnophobe like me, really quite beautiful.

Just some of the thousands of webs in the forest

After about an hour and a half, we finally arrived at Loch Morlich where I was promptly attacked by midges. The day was overcast and the loch probably didn't look as outstanding as it did under clear skies; however I didn't mind as this meant that fewer people were visiting the loch. I played ball with Sybil until she destroyed it, which took all of five minutes. She keeps the ball in her mouth and chews on it until it splits in the middle; quite why she does this I don't know as the ball is not half as much fun to play with.

Loch Morlich

Watersports at Loch Morlich

I heard a cuckoo calling from the trees somewhere around the loch - only the second cuckoo I have ever heard. On the way back I was also in for a treat as I looked up to see a red squirrel peering at me from a tree at the side of the road. Unfortunately I'd put my camera back in my rucksack, and before I could reach for it the squirrel ran off, chased by another one through the trees.

After a rest back at the cabin, Sybil and I set off for our evening walk to Craigellachie. Halfway around the path, she suddenly bolted off into the undergrowth. I shouted her back as I didn't want her disturbing any wildlife but wasn't too worried as she normally disappears for a couple of minutes only to come and check I'm still there. However, after about ten minutes had passed I started shouting her name louder, and climbed up a little hill to see green everywhere - but no Sybil. I really started to panic now as about fifteen minutes had passed and I still could not hear the jingle of her collar or the pounding of her feet. Eventually though she reappeared, slinking up behind me with her ears down expecting to be told off. Instead I gave her a massive cuddle with tears in my eyes, as with the reserve being so big and having a busy road at the side of it, I was scared that something terrible could have happened. I clipped her lead back on and needless to say, she didn't get much off-lead time the next day as I found the large amounts of rabbits around were just too tempting for her to chase.  

Sybil