Why the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail needs to be your next Yorkshire walk

The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail is one of the best walks in Sheffield. This beautiful woodland trail traces three miles of nature and 400 years of history along this scenic route. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about visiting the Rivelin Valley Trail.

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About the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail

The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail is one of the most beautiful woodland walks in Sheffield. The trail follows the River Rivelin and along the route you can learn more about the plants and wildlife you can spot along the trail.

Signposts on the trail also highlight the history of the river. Over 20 watermills once stood along the route, many used in the making of cutlery or paper. At each site you can learn more about the mills that once occupied the land.

Here is everything you need to know before you visit.

Where is the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail?

The Rivelin Valley is towards the North West of Sheffield. The valley connects the city of Sheffield to the nearby Peak District.

How long is the Rivelin Valley Trail?

The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail is three miles long. To walk the full route there and back it is a total of six miles from end to end.

Can you take dogs to Rivelin Valley?

Yes, you can take dogs to Rivelin Valley. Dog Friendly Sheffield promote the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail as one of the best off-lead dog walks in Sheffield. It is perfect for well-behaved dogs who enjoy water but you should note that the trail can get very busy, especially with families.

Can I cycle the Rivelin Valley Trail?

Bicycles and horses are not permitted on the Rivelin Valley Trail footpaths. The footpaths get very busy with walkers and families so cycling the route can be challenging and unsafe for cyclists and walkers. Download the map at the link below to see the alternative cycle route.

Rivelin Valley Nature Trail Map

You can find Rivelin Valley Nature Trail boards displaying maps located close to each end of the trail. You can either take a photo of the map on your visit, or download a copy of the information boards before you go.

Download your Rivelin Valley Nature Trail map here.

Sights on the Rivelin Valley Trail

While walking the Rivelin Valley Trail, you will discover many beautiful sights and fascinating historic insights. Here are the things you want to look out for on your walk.

Nature

It is unsurprising that this picturesque woodland walk is absolutely full of natural wonder. Examine the different tree species, wildflowers and more as you stroll along the scenic paths.

The waterside walk is also made up of many tranquil pools and ponds which are ideal places to sit and unwind. You’ll likely see a few people fishing along the trail too.

As well as the fish, there are many other birds and animals that live on the trail. Anyone with a keen interest in nature can easily spend a day spotting the many different species. The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail certainly lives up to its name!

Watermills

History enthusiasts will enjoy seeking out the remains of the 20 watermills that once sat along the river. Over 400 years ago, the first mills appeared on the Rivelin and the industry thrived there for centuries.

Many of the mills processed metal to make cutlery, and some were dedicated to the production of paper. Along the route you will find plaques dedicated to each mill where you can learn more about their history. The sites of the mills are plotted on the map linked above.

Rivelin Valley Park

Located close to the Sheffield end of the route you will find Rivelin Valley Park. This open area has space for ball games, a splash pool, a children’s play area, plus a cafe and the toilets. It is a convenient place to recharge along the trail, or can simply be enjoyed in its own right.

Rivelin Chair Sculpture

The Rivelin Chair sculpture was created by local artist Jason Thomson in 2011. It is a metal chair that is made to resemble one carved from coppice wood. The chair is designed to tie together the metal forging past of the mills and the modern nature trail.

It is easy to spot the chair sculpture alongside the river. The chair is located slightly beyond Rivelin Valley Park toward the Peak District end of the trail.

Facilities on the Rivelin Valley Trail

Here are the details of the facilities available on the Rivelin Valley Trail.

Are there toilets on the Rivelin Valley Trail?

Yes, there is one toilet block on the Rivelin Valley Trail. The toilets are located in Rivelin Valley Park, close to the Havelock Dam (Sheffield) end of the trail.

Is there a cafe on the Rivelin Valley Trail?

The Rivelin Park Cafe is also located in the Rivelin Valley Park section of the trail. You will find the cafe opposite the toilet block, close to the children’s play area. The cafe serves hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and light lunches and has a combination of indoor and outdoor seating.

Apple Shack

Although not technically on the Rivelin Valley Trail, The Apple Shack is a great place to grab a bite to eat if you are at the Rails Road end of the trail. There are no cafes on the route at this end of the trail, but from the Rails Road car park you can follow the cute wooden apple signs to The Apple Shack.

The Apple Shack is an adorable home run cafe just a short walk from the Rivelin Valley Trail. Simply follow the red apple signs across the packhorse bridge and across the road to this eco friendly cafe. The Apple Shack has limited opening times, so check they are open here before you visit.

Visiting the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail

Here’s all the practical information about visiting the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail before your trip.

How to get to the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail

It is possible to access Rivelin Valley Nature Trail by car or by public transport.

Here are the public transport details for accessing the Rivelin Valley Trail:

• By tram: take the blue route to Malin Bridge
• By bus: take the 62/61 or 82/81 to Malin Bridge or Stannington or the 273, 274 or 275 take you to the far end of Rivelin Valley

See the postcode and car park details below for how to access the Rivelin Valley Trail via car.

Rivelin Valley Nature Trail Postcode

If you want to start you walk at one end of the trail, navigate to either Havelock Dam (S6 5FY) which is at the Sheffield end of the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail, or Rails Road (S6 6GF) which is at the Peak District end of the trail.

Rivelin Valley Nature Trail Car Park

There are two car parks and one section of on road parking dedicated to the Rivelin Valley Trail. These parking spaces all fill very quickly so you will want to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

You can find the car parks at the following locations:

• Havelock Dam Car Park (S6 5FY)
• Rivelin Park Cafe Street Parking (S6 5GL)
• Rails Road Car Park (S6 6GF)

Please note that on road parking is not permitted anywhere other than the dedicated section of parking spaces. You risk receiving a fine if you park elsewhere on the main road.

What hotels are near Rivelin Valley Nature Trail?

If you want to extend your visit to the area and explore the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail over a few days, the majority of the places to stay near the Rivelin Valley Trail are in the centre of Sheffield. The two closest options worth considering are Garrison Hotel in Hillsborough, or The Rutland Hotel in Broomhall.

Check out the map below for more places to stay near the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail.

Booking.com

Things to know before you visit

If you are planning a visit to the Rivelin Valley Trail, please observe this advice to ensure that every visitor enjoys their experience.

• Take all your litter home with you. Discarded packets and waste is an eyesore on the beautiful landscape and dangerous to the local wildlife. Throw you litter away in the bin or take it home to dispose of it.
• Dogs are welcome and free to enjoy the trail off-lead, however, note that the route does get busy so consider the safety of your pet and other visitors.
• Clean up your dog waste. Please don’t ruin the trail and experience for others by leaving it on the path and dispose of bagged waste in bins.
• Cyclists or horse riders are not permitted on the route, please find an alternative route (see the map linked above) to ensure the safety of yourself, your animals and other visitors.
• Practice leave no trace. Leave the trail exactly as you found it. Do not leave anything behind and do not take anything away with you. The only exception to this is if you see litter. Please help to keep the area as beautiful as possible by picking up a piece of litter if you see it and placing it in a bin. Think of how much good we can do if every visitor picked up one piece of litter on their visit!

Before you go

If you’re ready to explore Rivelin Valley Trail for yourself, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it using the link below so you can revisit this guide!

If you want to discover more incredible walks throughout Yorkshire, you can find all my Yorkshire walking guides here.

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Until our next adventure,

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