Key Information
- Length – 3km
- Time – 45 minutes
- Difficulty – Easy
- Livestock – No
- Stiles – No
- Water – Yes
- On/Off Lead – Off
- Footwear – Any
Route Map
Download Rivelin Valley Trail GPX route
Route Description
The Rivelin Valley Trail is a popular walking route that starts in Malin Bridge and goes all the way out to the edge of the Peak District. It follows the River Rivelin and features many interesting old cutlery works ruins. This walk is suitable for everyone and pooches can be off lead if desired.
My favourite part of the Rivelin Valley Trail starts at the Rails Road car park, which sits between Rivelin Valley Road and Manchester Road. From here you cross Rails Road and head towards Sheffield. The path heads down to the river within a few meters and continues to the left of it, following the river down stream. You can cross over the stone bridge but the route on the other side is more difficult and uneven.
Image: Wet Seamus after paddling in the river at the start of the walk.
After following this path for around 100 meters, you will reach an open area with a ‘plunge pool’ on the right – very popular with teenagers in the summer and wild swimmers in the winter! Continue onwards until you reach a fast flowing part of the river that blocks the path. It used to be possible to cross here but storms a few years ago washed the stepping stones away. So go back on yourself and take the steps up to the right. This will take you up and along a ridge where you will be able to see the river down below.
Image: Seamus waiting for me to catch up!
Keep following this path along the river, you can’t really go too far wrong! You’ll pass various small meadows, additional waterways used for cutlery production in the past, duck ponds and stone paths. While you can turn around and retrace your steps back at any point, I would recommend walking past the ‘Wolf Wheel’ sign and to the end of the large duck pond (you might spot a heron here!) then turn around and head back when you are ready.
Image: Seamus sat next to the Wolf Wheel sign.
Seamus Paw Rating: 5/5
