Introduction
This web site is intended to give ideas for walks in the vicinity of Sheffield that can be done using local transport. It is particularly aimed at those of us in possession of a bus pass. We are gradually adding walks as we do them.
The walks will have a brief description and then a link to more detailed instructions. These instructions include a sketch map and photographs of key features. All the walks will have been completed using buses and tracked using a GPS device. The timings given will be based on this experience and will not include significant stops.
The walks are not usually round walks, that is the start and finish are different. We normally finish somewhere where there is at least one café or pub.
Although we have tried to ensure that the information given on this website is correct, we do not accept any responsibility for any inaccuracy.
Maps
The maps given with each walk are sketch maps showing key features. They are in no way intended to be adequate for the walk but should be sufficient to help trace a walk on a standard Ordnance Survey map. The walk instructions include grid references at various points to help with this. When undertaking any of the walks you should have a suitable map with you. One or more of the following paper maps are appropriate.
- OS Explorer OL1 The Peak District – Dark Peak Area
- OS Explorer OL24 The Peak
- OS Landranger 110 Sheffield and Huddersfield
- OS Landranger 119 Buxton and Matlock
- Harveys British Mountain Maps – Dark Peak
- Harveys British Mountain Maps – White Peak
GPS devices and technology
Nowadays it is possible to carry electronic maps with you on specialist GPS device or a smart phone with an appropriate app. We do this and it is often easier to use this than get out a paper map. Be aware that tracking using a GPS is very hard on batteries! We would always have paper versions with us in case of technological failure. Electronic maps that can be legally printed for home use can be a good solution as it is usually possible to print one A4 page that contains all you need for a particular walk.
Transport
We give some bus numbers and bus information with each walk but these are subject to change. You should check the details before setting out on a walk. It is important to be particularly careful about the day of the week as some routes as well as times are different at the week-end. There are also timetable differences for school days and school holidays.
Sadly, some of the buses we used when setting up this webiste no longer run – in particular the 273 and 253 buses. In addition, at the time of writing, there is no longer any bus service to Fairholmes. We will try to adjust the walks involved in due course.
Most of the buses run from the centre of town so one option is to start in the centre. If, like us, you are lucky enough to live near the 272/271 route, you may be able to avoid this, particularly as there are buses (6,82 505) that connect Abbeydale Road and Ecclesall Road.
Safety
The walks are in a hill walking area so can be muddy, slippery and occasionally involve a small amount of very minor scrambling. Walking boots or walking shoes with good soles are essential. We use walking poles and find them very helpful, particularly for identifying less deep bits of bog or mud!
The weather is changeable so you should have waterproof and warm clothing with you. A hat and gloves is usually sensible. Denim jeans are notoriously bad for hill walking as when wet they increase the chill factor significantly.
You should have a map, whistle and compass with you.
We usually carry water and some form of food (e.g. nuts and raisins). For longer walks you will want a packed lunch.
These days a mobile phone is a good idea. Be aware that there may not be a signal in all areas. Do have a way, such as a waterproof bag, of protecting the phone from rain – they really do not like getting wet!
The Edale mountain Rescue Team covers the area where the walks are.
Website maintained by Camilla Jordan: camilla.jordan ‘at’ btinternet.com
Please email this address with any comments and corrections.
The photographs, with one exception, were taken by David Jordan. The exception is the running hare inset and this was taken by Jonathan Jordan.