Great city walks: Sheffield
From its ancient cathedral to its woodlands and industrial heritage zone, this walk through Sheffield offers a glimpse of the city’s many sides
Kelham island, one of Sheffield’s former industrial districts. Photograph: Alamy
Distance 2.8 miles/4.6 km
Typical duration 1 hour
Start and finish Sheffield Cathedral
Start postcode S1 1HA
Step-by-step details and maps ramblers.org.uk/sheffield
In a nutshell
This is a lovely varied walk from Sheffield city centre, starting at the cathedral and heading along the river Don to Kelham island and past the Kelham Island Museum. Famous for its steel and manufacturing, you’ll glimpse parts of the city’s industrial heritage along the way, before looping back on to much quieter woodland paths to enjoy pretty views of the city centre.
Why it’s special
Combining history and urban landscape with lesser-known waterside areas, this walk gives an insight into the city. At the start, Sheffield Cathedral is a must – check out the Tudor Shrewsbury chapel, the medieval chancel and sanctuary and the regimental chapel of St George.
From here, you’ll head to Paradise Square, a Grade II listed cobbled Georgian square built in the late 18th century, and once known as Pot Square because of the crockery vendors who sold their wares here. It was also used for public meetings. The route then heads to the river Don and follows it north, where you will spot ducks and the odd kingfisher.
Heading along the river, the walk takes you to Kelham island, which has a museum showing life during the industrial revolution. You’ll then head back through Denholme Close open space to the cathedral where you began.
Reward yourself
Head to the Fat Cat pub on Kelham island and treat yourself to a pint of ale from Kelham Island Brewery, which can be found just down the road from the pub.
Get there
The cathedral is a 10-minute walk from Sheffield train station. Buses 95, 120 and 121 go from the station to the cathedral. There are many other buses stopping near the start of this walk. To plan your route, go to travelsouthyorkshire.com