Sheffield Round Walk

The Sheffield Round Walk is a popular 15 mile (24km) circular route that highlights the natural beauty and varied landscapes of Sheffield.

Starting and ending at Endcliffe Park (we started at Abbeydale Road as it was our closest point on the route), the walk takes you through several picturesque valleys - the Porter Valley, Limb Valley, Gleadless Valley, and Sheaf Valley.

Along the way, you’ll pass through urban parks, ancient woodlands, and scenic countryside, such as Ladies Spring Wood and the fringes of the Peak District. The route is well-marked, offering encounters with local wildlife, historic sites, and stunning views.

Some of the highlights on the route:

• Endcliffe Park - opened in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee, features duck ponds, riverside walks, a playground, and a café. The park has three Victoria monuments, a memorial garden for the 1944 Mi-Amigo crash, and is part of the Porter Valley Parks stretching west from Sheffield city centre.
• Whiteley Woods - part of the Porter Valley Parks, lies next to Bingham Park. Land was donated to Sheffield Corporation in 1897/98, with further contributions from Sheffield Town Trustees in 1913 and J.G. Graves Charitable Trust in 1932. The area includes the Shepherd Wheel, a working water wheel and museum on Porter Brook.
• Forge Dam Park - part of the Grade II listed Porter Valley Parks, spanning 49 acres. Established in 1938 by the J.G. Graves Charitable Trust, it sits on the site of Old Mayhouse Farm and Forge Dam. Historically, the Porter Brook was dammed for grinding mills supporting Sheffield's cutlery industry.
• Whirlow Brook Park - spans 39 acres and features lush gardens, a peaceful pond, and Whirlow Brook Hall, a historic 1906 mansion now used for events. Acquired by Sheffield City Council in 1951, the park offers a serene retreat with vibrant seasonal flowers, ideal for nature lovers and families.
• Ecclesall Woods - comprises three woodlands spanning 350 acres between Ecclesall and Abbeydale Roads. At the woods' junction in Whirlow lies the J G Graves Woodland Discovery Centre, named after the philanthropist who donated the woods in the 1920s. The centre offers educational programs, interactive exhibits, guided walks, and a café, promoting environmental awareness and conservation.
• Ladies Spring Wood - an ancient woodland dating back to at least 1600, likely remains a primary woodland due to its history and topography. Once owned by Beauchief Abbey, it became a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1954. Historically managed for fuel production through coppicing, it now features a diverse mix of native and non-native trees.
• Graves Park - Sheffield's largest at 248 acres, has a rich history, originally part of the Norton Estate. Purchased and donated by J.G. Graves between 1925 and 1936, it features diverse landscapes, including woodlands, ponds, and recreational areas. The park preserves natural heritage, offers multi-sport facilities, and is managed by the Friends of Graves Park.
• Meersbrook Park - largely unchanged since its opening in 1887, is a prime example of a Victorian municipal park in Sheffield. It features Meersbrook Hall, walled gardens, woodlands, a fountain, and the Grade II listed Bishops' House, a well-preserved timber-framed house from around 1500, now a museum. The park offers panoramic city views, including one famously painted by Turner.