Pull up your bootstraps because it’s time to take a hike. Ramblers seeking undulating hills and valleys, fairytale landscapes, and a variety of terrain should consider Sheffield and the Peak District. Sheffield, with its unique architecture and historic landmarks, displays a wealth of walking options. The Peak District was the first national park to be established in the United Kingdom and offers over 1,600 miles of public paths for adventurers to explore. So whether you’re looking for the most beautiful walks in Sheffield or breathtaking views in the Peak District, you’ll find the right trail for your needs in this handy hiking guide.
1. Norfolk Heritage Trail
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Distance from Sheffield: 2.4 miles
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Hike Length: 2.7 miles
Walking in Sheffield doesn’t have to be difficult. This is one of the easiest routes to begin with and should only take you just over an hour to complete. This walk covers various waypoints including Norfolk Heritage Park, the Historic City Centre, and Sheffield Cathedral – keep an eye out for the NHT signposts. As with many walks in Sheffield, there is an ample amount of places to stop for food, however, remain mindful when crossing streets, rails, and tram lines.
2. Handsworth and River Rother
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Distance from Sheffield: 7.5 miles
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Hike Length: 7 miles
Check out this trail if you’re looking for walks near Sheffield. It’s a moderately challenging circular route, covering semi-rural farmland and remnant woodland. A highlight of the trail is the view from Waverley Lake, in which hikers can encounter native flora and fauna. This is one of the walks around Sheffield that includes unpaved trails and highways, making it a great option for hikers with a little more experience.
3. Sheffield Town Circular
- Distance from Sheffield: 1.4 miles
- Hike Length: 2.4 miles
This circular trail takes an hour to finish, so it’s one of the walks in Sheffield that would be easy to incorporate into your day. As you stroll around the city, you can enjoy the interesting architecture and sights that display the history of the old town, including the Sheffield Cathedral, the Statue of King Edward VII, and the Historic City Centre. Explore the murals and graffiti decorating the streets when you are walking in Sheffield, to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture.
4. Rivelin Valley Trail
- Distance from Sheffield: 3.2 miles
- Hike Length: 2 miles
You don’t have to travel far from the city centre to discover gorgeous walks around Sheffield. The Rivelin Valley Trail lasts for just under an hour at 53 minutes. However, the area is popular with birdwatchers and hikers so you will come across other people along the way. It is a relatively easy route, which includes a café and toilets at the halfway point. This trail is a good choice for hikers who enjoy wild swimming, as there are some ideal spots for this en route.
5. Low Bradfield, Agden Reservoir, and Dale Dike Reservoir Circular
- Distance from Sheffield: 7.5 miles
- Hike Length: 6.7 miles
Embark on Peak District walks near Sheffield to reconnect with nature. This circular trail is open year-round and offers a variety of sights, including woodlands, fields, and bodies of water alongside villages to visit for refreshments. Agden Bog Nature Reserve provides a prime opportunity for wildlife spotting. There are a few steep areas along the trail, but most of it is clearly marked and easy to hike.
6. Carl Wark, Higger Tor, Great Tor and White Path Moss Circular
- Distance from Sheffield: 6.8 miles
- Hike Length: 14.7 miles
A wonderful circular trail for more experienced hikers, this challenging route takes around 7 hours to complete. On the trail you will hike down the valley, head across several streams, and venture through woodland before ascending the various hills along the way. You’ll see incredible sights including Stanage Edge, River Derwent, and Robin Hood’s Cave. It is truly one of the ultimate Peak District walks near Sheffield.
7. Lady Canning’s Plantation, Burbage Moor, and Houndkirk Moor Circular
- Distance from Sheffield: 4.7 miles
- Hike Length: 5.5 miles
If you’re on the hunt for moderately challenging walks near Sheffield, this is a brilliant choice. It’s best to visit this trail anytime from March to October. Burbage Edge, a gritstone escarpment, offers hikers phenomenal views of Burbage Valley. Lady Canning’s Plantation is also a popular mountain biking area, so be careful on the shared paths. The trail consists of some steep and rocky terrain, however there is a pub located at the end of the route.
8. Porter Brook Trail
- Distance from Sheffield: 5.1 miles
- Hike Length: 7.2 miles
This easygoing, relatively flat trail is one of the more manageable walks in Sheffield. The out and back route starts off at Endcliffe Park and continues along the Porter Brook Trail. You will see many woodlands and parks as you are hiking, with the opportunity to shorten or extend your route on adjoining paths. It’s great to visit this trail in springtime, when the wildflowers are out. You may also be able to spot the waterfowl that inhabit the area.
9. Meersbrook, Whirlow Brook, Ecclesall Wood and Graves Park Circular
- Distance from Sheffield: 2.7 miles
- Hike Length: 15.9 miles
This route is a perfect option for hikers wishing to venture out on the longer walks in Sheffield. Also known as the ‘Sheffield Round Walk’, it takes around 7 hours to complete so you will need an entire day for it. The route is simple to follow, with signs throughout the trail – presenting a mixture of woodland paths, parks, and a few roads. You will come across many pubs and cafés along the way.
10. Kinder Scout and Mam Tor Circular
- Distance from Sheffield: 20.7 miles
- Hike Length: 12 miles
The Kinder Scout and Mam Tor Circular can be added to the list of stunning Peak District walks near Sheffield. It is a challenging hike that leads to the peak of Kinder Scout, which is the highest point in the Peak District. You will also see Mam Tor, one of the most famous hills in England. When you reach the summit of Mam Tor, you can explore the ruins of an Iron Age hill fort and take in the serene panoramic views of the hills, valleys, Castleton village, and even Manchester in clear conditions. The circular trail starts and ends at Edale Car Park.
11. Greenfield Waterfall Circular
- Distance from Sheffield: 32.7 miles
- Hike Length: 5.7 miles
Navigate through the three reservoirs along the edge of the Peak District: Dovestone, Yeoman Hey, and Greenfield. Dovestone Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it is managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) so you can witness the wildlife residing in this area. Dovestone Edge offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape. You will find waterfalls at Birchen Clough and the ascent here is a steep rocky scramble. The Trinnacle is located at the top – this is an interesting rock formation consisting of gritstone pillars on Ravenstones Edge.
Conclusion
If you’re a hiking newbie, you may find it easier to stick with the trails in this guide that are around 2 miles in length. If you are confident in your level of physical fitness, but not an experienced hiker, then try the routes ranging from 5 to 7 miles long. However, if you have years of hiking experience under your belt, you could consider completing the more challenging treks around the 12-to-16-mile mark. While for more tips on visiting Sheffield, you can check out our safety guide here or check out the best hotels to stay at in Sheffield city centre.
By Olivia Weaver
Website: https://oliviaweaver98.journoportfolio.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-weaver-80b63b187/