A618
January 2017 | 51
Five Weirs Walk by ® Phil Gregory
DALT
A6123
M1
B6410
TERRAIN , GRADIENTS AND ACCESS
Tarmac path , stony trail and fine gravel track with some road crossings .
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
This riverside and canalside corridor through the Don Valley in South Yorkshire connects the city of Sheffield to Rotherham .
Start from Sheffield train station , where a traffic-free link leads you down to the River Don and over the Blonk Street Bridge to the river ’ s north bank . This is where the route joins up with the Five Weirs Walk , and you ’ ll soon reach the brilliant Cobweb Bridge , known locally as Spider Bridge . It ’ s suspended on web-like cables through the dark Wicker Arches , an old railway viaduct , and is a highlight in the ride ’ s opening mile .
Walk Mill Weir comes next , the first of the five historic weirs that give the route its name , and you ’ ll follow the river through the urban , built-up surroundings of Sheffield ’ s industrial East End .
The river itself is gradually being brought back to life after a century of pollution and neglect resulting from the many steelworks , mills and factories that once surrounded the area . The Wildlife Trust ’ s Salmon Pastures Local Nature Reserve , around two miles in , is a particularly nature-rich spot full of birds , butterflies and insects that are steadily beginning to thrive on the Don , and the deep woodland that surrounds this part of the river is an especially beautiful spot through which to ride .
A few miles later , a completely different experience awaits as you pass the doors of the vast Meadowhall shopping centre , a good spot for some mid-ride retail therapy , before reaching Tinsley Waterside to join the Sheffield to Keadby Canal . The hazel trees and Mediterranean fig trees that grow here are an exotic addition to the canalside , and the final two miles are an incredibly peaceful and traditional towpath ride , especially passing the many locks of the Tinsley Flight .
At Holmes Lock Bridge , take a tiny detour off the path to explore the lagoons of Blackburn Meadows Local Nature Reserve , before rejoining the towpath and following it all the way to the route ’ s end at Rotherham train station .
LOOPS , LINKS AND LONGER RIDES
Sheffield and Rotherham both link to the popular Trans Pennine Trail , a 215-mile coast to coast route from Hornsea to Southport . NCN 67 Poolsbrook Country Park to Rother Valley Country Park .
STAY
Heavenly Nights Guest House , Sheffield ( 0114 ) 221 5342 | www . heavenly-nights . co . uk
EAT AND DRINK
In Sheffield , try popular cyclist hangout Amici & Bici café . Carbrook Hall pub is in Carbrook near Meadowhall and claims to be Sheffield ’ s most haunted public house . There is a food hall in Meadowhall shopping centre , or try the popular Miele Delicatessen in Rotherham .
CYCLE HIRE www . russellsbicycleshed . co . uk