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A Walk from Bradfield to Stannington

Make use of the new ‘Rural Links’ bus service -route 62 Hillsborough -Low Bradfield.

The walk starts at the bus turning circle in Low Bradfield
Walk back down the hill and left over the bridge by the Bowling Green.

Bear right pass the local garage along the road to Dam Flask. Approx. 200ms along this road, enter on a new path running along the left side on the dam. passing the sailing club.

The path exits back onto the road, walk to the right crossing the road coming from over the dam wall, and continue towards Stacey bank. (It is possible for a shorter, circular walk of the dam, to go along the road over the dam wall, enter the path after the cottage and walk by the dam back up to Bradfield village).

After the first house follow the steep tarmac path down to the right. At the bottom don’t go over the bridge; follow the path to the left.

This runs along the left bank of the River Loxley. Continue pass the fishing pond then down through a factory yard between disused buildings

The river appears again on the right. Follow the stone wall by the river to an entrance to a marked footpath. Go down the steps to follow the path between the river and a goit.

Cross a factory road and follow the path behind more disused buildings by a small stream running into a picturesque dam. The path enters another disused factory yard.

Go down the yard to a style by a blue gate signed Rowel Bridge. Follow this path down to the bridge.

Turn left and cross over the bridge, lookout for traffic. Take the first footpath on the right-signed Stannington. Follow the path over an old bridge and up concrete steps.

Go left through the kissing gate keeping to the path as it zig- zags up the hill to the road that runs across the bottom of the Acorn Hill estate.

Walk left approx.25ms, cross the road, and follow a signed path up the cul de sac and up through the houses, past Nook Lane School up to the top of Nook Lane.

Cross Stannington Road, up past the Rose and Crown pub and at the junction turn left back to the starting point.

Although this walk passes through some industrial decline (which can be interesting in itself) it also passes through some beautiful countryside.

These notes were compiled By Mr J M Nunn, Parish Archivist, Bradfield Parish Council & Sec. Bradfield Historical Society from various publications and local knowledge and should not be reproduced without permission.

A WALK ROUND LOW BRADFIELD - (WALK I)

The total walk- is relatively short but to take in all the above detail takes around 1 hour and is mainly on roads or well maintained footpaths.

Starting from the village car park- the stream on the left is AGDEN BECK and comes through AGDEN RESERVOIR and joins DALE DYKE BECK a hundred yards downstream and into Damflask reservoir before forming the River Loxley. The house on the light is NETHER FARM built around I 820 Leave the car park by the road and bear left, opposite was the former LOW BRADFIELD JUNIOR & INFANT SCHOOL and SCHOOL HOUSE. The school was built in 1867 to replace one on a different site that was washed away in the SHEFFIELD FLOOD OF 1864. The school closed in 1985 with 32 scholars being transferred to nearby DUNGWORTH SCHOOL. The school and house have been sold to a private buyer.

After passing the bus shelter bear fight into MILL LEE ROAD and cross CHAPEL BRIDGE (which crosses DALE DYKE BECK), this was completely washed away in the flood. Below the bridge was once a sheep/cattlewash where livestock was washed before being auctioned at the nearby PLOUGH INN. The building on the left is the former W'ESLEYAN CHAPEL built in 1817 and housed 52 teachers and 154 scholars. It was a temporary school following the destruction of the old school due to the flood, it is now the headquarters of BRADFIELD PARISH COUNCIL, on the wall below the building is a stone dragon rescued from a derelict works in OUGHTIBRIDGE.

On the light is the new WESLEYAN CHAPEL opened in 1899 at a cost of f.1585 to seat 190 adults. It held its last service in August 1993 and was sold to a private buyer for and converted to a household.

Next on the right are the FILTER HOUSES, built in 1913 and extended in 1954, it has units and filters water from STRINES, DALE DYKE and AGDEN reservoirs. In 1930 it had the first telephone installed in Bradfield. The premises closed in 1994 following the completion of the new Water Treatment Works in the Loxley Valley.

On the left are 6 Council houses and 1 private house built during the 1960's. Turn left at the PLOUGH INN, (the road ahead goes to Ughill) originally built as a farmhouse, in 1841 listed as a BEERHOUSE and officially listed by the brewery in 1847. The archway was "blocked in" during 1960's when alterations took place, and was previously used to take cattle into the auction yard at the rear of the building. The houses on the left are PLOUGH COTTAGES.

The houses, next on the left (GLEBE COURT), completed in 1990/91 as a joint venture between PEAK PARK PLANNING, BRADFIELD PARISH COUNCIL and SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL as a "low cost housing scheme" to cater for local needs, and consist of 2,3 and 4 bedroom houses. All residents must have local connections to qualify for tenancy.

Looking across to the tight, in the distance is FOXHOLES FARM with its "castleated" walls can probably best described as "folly". Turn left at the POLICE HOUSE built cl960 (the original police house was the middle house in a row of cottages half a mile farther on the road), this is SCHOOL LANE, the farm on the fight is MILL FARM, whilst on the left is FAR FOLD built in 1735 and withstood the flood. In the area close to the bridge stood the original school built around 1706 and was completely destroyed 'in the flood. The headmaster Mr NICHOLLS) and his family managed to escape to safety by running up the steps opposite the end of the bridge and on to higher ground. DAWLASK RESERVOIR is on the right.

After crossing the bridge, turn left, on this site stood a three storey corn MM. (records show a corn MM at Bradfield from around 1218, although obviously numerous rebuilds over the centuries) The last corn mill replaced one destroyed in the flood and was driven by a water turbine. (As opposed to a water wheel for the previous mills) Unfortunately the corn mill caught fire in 1940 and was completely destroyed and never rebuilt. The mill race and dam remains can be seen over the wall on the left just before reaching SMlTHY GARAGE. The garage was previously a BLACKSTSMIHS SHOP until the late 1930's.

Cross the road, the sportsfield (official name DODGE CROFT) was donated by Mr. EBBOTSON (note the memorial plaque/stone on the wall) contains BOWLS, CRICKET, TENNIS and the VILLAGE HALL.

Bear right keeping beside the field wall, the group of houses ahead are BURNSIDE COTTAGES, the earliest of which date back to around 1625, (it is believed that this is where the first victim of the flood occurred when a two day old baby was washed from its mothers arms) whilst behind is THORN HOUSE, where the mill owner at the time of the flood resided. Moving further on BURNSIDE HOUSE is the large house on the right we come to WOODFALL LANE that leads to HIGH BRADFIELD. This piece of road referred to locally as "The Street" with the POST OFFICE/VILLAGE SHOP on the right and the former CROSS INN on the left comer. The inn closed around 1980 and was converted into a private house.

Do not turn up WOODFALL LANE, but walk along THE SANDS, with the VILLAGE HALL on the left, cross the stream by the footbridge and return to the car park, -. The village hall was built just before the Second World War and used for the entire village functions etc.

A WALK AROUND AGDEN RESERVOIR - (WALK 2)

The whole walk takes approx. 2.1/2 to 3 hours to complete and is approx. 5 miles in length.

A pleasant walk is around AGDEN RESERVOIR, starting from LOW BRADFIELD car park. Leave the car park by following the lane back to FAIRHOUSE LANE and turn right up the hill.The house on the left is SUNNYBANK which was built of a pre-sectionalised structure during the late 1920's as a shop, to replace one at the top of FAIRHOUSE LANE, it ceased to be a shop during the early 1960's and converted to a residence by the current occupier. At the top of the bill once stood FAIRHOUSE COTTAGES which were demolished during the 1970's to make way for the bus turning point, FARMOUSE FARM (originally SWINDEN HOUSE) around 400 years old stands behind. Turn light into WINDY BANK and pass the former reservoir keepers cottage, good views across AGDEN RESERVOIR and ROCHER ROCKS are seen above, continue ahead, and turn up the hill, after a few hundred yards turn right at the public footpath sign over a stile and along a straight footpath which was the entrance to AGDEN HOUSE which was demolished during the 1970's, bear light over a small stone bridge which crosses EMLIN DYKE and follow the path to the right passing a couple of benches. (The house stood on the left; all that remains is a barn), The path passes between Rhododendron bushes before crossing another small stone bridge under which flows AGDEN BECK. On the left is AGDEN BOG which is a naturally formed area and is leased to YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST, continue along the footpath until reaching a stile beside a gate, go over the stile and turn sharp left beside the wall up the edge of the conifer plantation, the ground rises steep at this point and crosses a couple of stiles before emerging on a grassy bank.

Turn left at the top, stop to admire the view, DERWENT EDGE can be seen in the distance, EMLIN MOORS in the fore distance, and to the Right is the HURKLING STONES along the DUKES ROAD which is a Bridleway eventually leading to DERWENT. Also BOOTS TOWER above STRINES and DALE DYKE RESERVOIRS, further to the left DAM FLASK and the LOXLEY VALLEY, also the moors above MOSCAR and RIVELIN can all be seen. The footpath now keeps beside the wall which is on the light, note the large boulders intermittently in the base of the wall, this is understood to be a wall of significance dating form pre-enclosure times. After about 100 yards or so look over the wall, the remains of FROST HOUSE can be seen, demolished during, the 1950's, continue along this edge known as AGDEN SIDE and after crossing a stile, the path eventually comes to a road (AGDEN ROYDS). Upon reaching the road turn light to the "T" junction then turn left and after about 50 yards turn fight over the stile into a farm track which brings you to the remains of ROCHER HEAD FARM which was demolished in the late 1960's, although some of the outbuildings are still used for storing cattle foods. Pass through the remains (Yellow arrows point the way) the path now goes through pleasant green fields lined with trees.

ROCHER ROCKS run parallel on the left (many think this has been quarried, but evidence suggests it is a landslide) Ignore the large ladder stile on the left, climb the stile on the right at the end of a line of trees and bear left until reaching a plank type stile, climb the stile and follow the grassy track until reaching an open gate beside a power supply pole, turn right through the gate and go gown the short grassy bank to a multitude of gateposts, this is the remains of ROCHER END FARM demolished during the early 1960s, bear left at this point along the grassy lane until reaching the kissing gate. Pass through the gate and climb the path through the conifer plantation which emerges almost in St. NICHOLAS church yard below BAILEY HILL. Part way along the churchyard is a footpath turning to the light (Yellow arrows) which leads down the fields, follow these down until reaching a road, cross the road into a ginnell to the top of KIRK STEPS, proceed down the steps and cross the wooden footbridge and keep the stream on the left and back to the car park.

A WALK AROUND DALE DYKE -SHORT WALK- - (WALK 3)

The walk is quite easy and takes around 2 hours to complete

The walk starts from LOW BRADFIELD car park by returning to the roadway and turning tight into FAIRHOUSE LANE, continue up the hill passing SUNNYBANK which until the early 1960s was a village shop. The bus turning area replaced a pair of cottages during the 1970s, continue ahead

FAIR-HOUSE FARM is on the left which is probably over 400 years old .Records suggest that this was once called SKNTNDEN HOUSE. The road is narrow at this point on the left is the valley with DALE DYKE BECK flowing in the valley bottom, (this is where the great surge of water would have flowed on the night of MARCH 11th 1864 when DALE DYKE RESERVOIR embankment gave way causing the death of over 240 people). On the right hand side is HAYCHATTER HOUSE, formerly a public house, converted into a private house c2OOO it was originally a farmhouse, (earliest records are 1634 and maybe probably older). During the reservoir construction when the valley was filled with workmen's huts it gained popularity as a beerhouse and continued ever since before gaining a full licence many years later, its name has alternated over the years between the RESERVOIR INN and HAYCHATTER (Haychatter means hay collector or gatherer) next on the tight is a bungalow followed by WALKER HOUSE FARM which is probably one of the oldest working farms in the dale, continue ahead on the road until reaching a water trough on the right hand side.

Opposite the trough, climb the stile beside the gate and follow the footpath after a hundred yards or so where you will find a stone engraved C.L.O.B,. There are four of these stones which mark- the line of the original DALE-DYKE RESERVOIR embankment (when the newer embankment was constructed it was moved approx. 200 yards further upstream and reducing the capacity by approx. one third). Beside this stone is the FLOOD MEMORIAL STONE erected in 1991 by BRADFIELD- HISTORICAL SOCIETY, there is also an information board erected at the same time by YORKSHIRE WATER and PEAK PARK PLANNING BOARD and BRADFIELD PARISH COUNCIL as a joint venture along with the footpath which was also officially opened at the same time. The footpath now descends through the woodland before emerging on a footbridge over the dyke (at this point one would actually be inside the old reservoir).
Follow the footpath round until arriving at the culvert where water from the reservoir is released to be processed into drinking water via the water treatment works in the LOXLEY VALLEY. Climb the steps and continue ahead which eventually arrive at the top of the reservoir weir on DALE DYKE RESERVOIR. Continue now beside the reservoir until reaching a newly erected seat and a footpath sign directs to the left over a stile and into an old lane (listed as RODGER LANE, at the top of the lane turn left and follow the track to the road (BLINDSIDE LANE), bear left onto the road BROOMS COTTAGE is on the left. A red house is on the right and a barn conversion (formerly a sawmill) is on the left. the lane gets very narrow with numerous blind bends at this point and care should be taken to look out for traffic. Just before reaching the bridge

(ANNETT BRIDGE along with the farmhouse where the first structures to be demolished in the flood) look out for a public footpath on the right which should be followed which crosses fields and banks before arriving on PLUMPTON LANE with the cottages on the left, also further on the left is the now disused FILTER HOUSES originally constructed in 1913 and extended 1953 before being closed on 1994 following the construction of the new works in the LOXLEY VALLEY. at the end of the lane turn left and follow the back to the car park.

These notes were compiled By Mr.J.M.Nunn, Archivist, Bradfield Parish Council & Sec. Bradfield Historical Society from various publications and local knowledge and should not be reproduced without permission.

A WALK AROUND DALE DYKE (LONG WALK) - (WALK 3a)

The walk takes around 4 to 4.1/2 hours to complete and is approx. 8 miles if taking in the section to Boots Tower

Follow the short route (Walk- 3) as previously detailed to the point of RODGER LANE.

At the top of this lane turn right and follow the footpath through the woodland until reaching open space, at this point were the remains of the former WRAGG HOUSE or LOWER HOYLES demolished during the 1960s, climb the stile and follow the yellow arrows across open fields, with good -views across the reservoir, (THOMPSON HOUSE FARM and HALLFIELD stand on the opposite side these will be passed on the return journey) continue ahead until reaching a stone stile in the wall near to the bottom of the overflow of STRINES RESERVOIR, (at this point a diversion and return can be made to BOOTS TOWER see notes at end of walk) climb the stile and continue through a small woodland crossing the stream and eventually diagonally crossing below STRINES RESERVOIR embankment and arriving at the former reservoir keepers cottage, BROGGIN HOUSE (this section of footpath has been dedicated in memory of BESSIE ANDREWS and an inscribed plaque makes reference to this). Turn right on reaching the cottage and follow the track past STUBBIN COTTAGE and good views are now seen from where we came.

Next is HALLFIELD HOUSE (which dates back to Elizabethan times and restored over the last twenty or so years was formally owned by the FITZWILLIAM ESTATE as a summer residence and shooting/ gamekeepers house), the official footpath goes in a straight line across the front of the house although a diverted footpath follows to the right and below the gardens before reaching the opposite end of the official footpath. Continue ahead LANE BEAD is just up the lane to the left now restored after many years derelict, to the right is FOOTERSHAW LANE which probably joined up with RODGER LANE prior to the reservoir construction. THOMPSON HOUSE FARM is next. but just before reaching this the footpath bears left and passes behind the farm and cottages before emerging on the road, turn right onto the road and follow the road back to LOW BRADFIELD passing THORNSEAT HOUSE and cottages, WALKER HOUSE FARM, HAYCHATTER HOUSE, FAIRHOUSE FARM, SUNNYBANK and back to the car park. .The diversion to BOOTS TOWER as mentioned above is very steep and quite boggy in places, however the view from there is quite dramatic, with STRINES RESERVOIR below and STRINES and DERWENT MOORS across the skyline also the return has views of the length of DALE DYKE RESERVOIR. Return -via the same route and pick up the continuation of the walk at the stile

BOOTS TOWER or BOOTS FOLLY as it is also known was constructed around 1927 by employees of Mr CHARLES BOOT who lived at nearby SUGWORTH HALL it is said for many reasons, these being to find work for his employees during the recession, to see his wife's grave in Bradfield Church or to entertain his guests in the upper room or just to enjoy the views of the area as the view from SUGWORTH HALL was somewhat limited. The tower was originally constructed with oak panels but it was said these were removed during World War 11 to provide firewood for the hall. Another interesting story regarding the tower is that sometime later a cow decided to do its own investigations of the tower and climbed the stairway to the top, it had to be blindfolded and brought back down with the help of local farmers. The bottom part of the stairway was then removed to prevent any further occurrences. Just below the tower are neat piles of carved stones which are reported to have come from BRUNSWICK CHAPEL at the bottom end of ECCLESALL ROAD which was partially bombed during the war and BOOTS had the contract to make the building safe ,presumably the stones were brought to this point for safe keeping and have remained there ever since.

BRADFIELD, DUNGWORTH & DAMFLASK - (WALK 4)

This walk takes around 4 to 4 1/2hours and is approx 8miles if taking in the section to Boots Tower

Starting from LOW BRADFIELD Car park, return to the road and turn left and then bear right into MILL LEE ROAD, continue ahead, crossing, CHAPEL BRIDGE which DALE- DYKE BECK flows beneath, the BRADFIELD PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES and a few houses are on the left, the former METHODIST CHAPEL now a private dwelling and the now disused FILTER HOUSES are on the right, continue ahead up the road. Turn left at the top and keep to the road passing FOXHOLES FARM with its castleated walls -which can only be as "follies". The farm has been converted into flats since its sale in the late 1980s, continue along the road, at the next road junction tam right into UGHILL- WOODSIDE LANE.

WOODHOUSE FARM and LOWER WOODHOUSE FARM are on the left and just before reaching the next farm (on the right) take the public footpath on the left which descends through woodland and arrives at a small stone footbridge crossing UGHILL, BROOK, BROOM VALE FARM is on the right. Cross the footbridge and ascend the banks which are steep in places. The path eventually arrives at a high wooden stile by the roadside, climb the stile and turn left for only a few yards and then turn right up the path towards HALL BROOM FARM, just before reaching the farm the footpath then turns left beside HALL BROOM WOOD and the former HALL BROOM RESERVOIR. Follow the yellow arrows and the route joins the walled RINGWOOD LANE beside a large round water-tank, turn left and follow the lane which ends in the village of DUNGWORTH beside what was the former village shop opposite the Village Hall.

Cross the road and turn right passing the VILLAGE HALL and a few houses and the METHODIST CHAPEL. Turn left between the Chapel and the ROYAL HOTEL and follow the footpath through the fields (known locally as ROYAL FIELDS) which eventually meet the road at SYKE COTTAGE and SYKE BROOK (the bottom buildings of the cottage was once used as a cutlers shop) turn left and after a few yards turn right through the gate beside ROEGATE COTTAGE and keeping the wood on your left and the stream on your right eventually bear away from the stream and cross fields before arriving at the RIVER LOXLEY at STACEY BANK..

The disused COMPENSATION DAM built cl920 is on the left, it served as a storage reservoir for BLACKBURN MEADOWS WATER TREATMENT WORKS and was built on the site of STACEY'S WATER which was completely demolished in the flood whilst further to the left is the huge embankment of DAMFLASK RESERVOIR Cross the footbridge and go up STACEY LANE past a number of cottages before emerging at the top of the lane beside the telephone box.. Turn left (the house on the comer was once a shop which closed around 1960) and continue along the road until reaching DAMFLASK RESERVOIR, go through one of the entrances in the wall and continue along the recently constructed footpath beside the reservoir back to Low Bradfield.

DAMFLASK takes its name from a village which was almost entirely washed away in the Sheffield Flood, it had a Corn Mill, Paper Mill, Wire Mill, Blacksmith's Shop, Public House (Barrell Inn) and a cluster of houses, nothing was ever rebuilt as plans were in place prior to the flood to construct the reservoir. The village stood just about where the reservoir embankment is today.

References used:-

The flood - The Sheffield Flood occurred on March 1 lth 1864
Head Goyt - Where water comes in to the dam from the liver
Tail Goyt - Where water is released back into the liver after being used to operate waterwheel.

A WALK IN THE LOXLEY VALLEY (WALK 5)

The length of the walk is approx. 3miles 3 hours to complete & take in all the points of interest

A -good starting point for this walk is MALIN BRIDGE, at the junction of STANNINGTON ROAD and LOXLEY ROAD at the former Corn MILL, earliest records of this building are 1739.Although very little has been recorded until the Sheffield Flood of 1864 when compensation claims amounted to £22 for the loss of a 16ft. water-wheel along with various grinding fittings, millstones and equipment. Later records show that the mill was taken over by GERMAN WILSON in 1876 (he was an apprentice there at the turn of the flood) and used the mill as a joiners shop, timber yard and work-shop, the timber being sawn by water wheel power. By 1905 the MILL was listed as a corn mill although trade directories list the property as corn and flour dealers rather than millers and was used for this purpose until 1956, since when it has gone through various ownership's and changes. It is still often referred to as GERMAIN WILSON'S CORN MILL.

The waterwheel is unusual 'in as much as it is an "undershot wheel" and was restored during the 1970's by LOXLEY VALLEY MANAGEMENT and is probably in a state of now requiring further restoration.

From the MILL proceed towards the YEW TREE INN, (this was built on the site of a previous -YEW TREE INN which was used as a temporary mortuary for the victims of the flood) and turn left and continue past two bungalows and bear left along the public footpath past the old gatehouse for WISEWOOD FORGE, on the light can be seen the tail goyt from the old forge. There were two forges on this site, the bottom forge dated back to the 16th century and was seriously damaged in the flood, it was rebuilt with a rod and sheet mill. It was purchased by the WOOD family in 1873 and converted to steam power in 1907 and electric in 1956, it was demolished in the 1960's and the dam was filled in to make storage room for the upper forge.

Proceed along the old roadway, the RIVER LOXLEY is on the left, and the remains of the UPPER WISEWOOD FORGE/SCYTHE WORKS are reached, oldest records for this go back to around 1531, the forge was extensively damaged in the flood and claims mounted to around £IO,000 but only £8750 was paid. It was purchased by the WOOD family in 1873 as a freehold forge, tilt and rolling mill and was converted to steam power in 1907 and electric in 1956, workers and locals often referred to these premises as JOHNNY WOOD'S ROLLING MILLS, the last owners were RICHARD W CARR LTD and closed during the 1980's and partially demolished during 1994. Keep the remains of the building on the left and upon passing the last section tam left up the bank and through the trees and the MILL DAM is reached the path now crosses an iron bridge where water passed under to the Waterwheel pit for the old forge. The dam was purchased by a fishing consortium in 1993

Continue along the footpath and when the upper end of the dam is reached the path then continues through woodland beside the RIVER LOXLEY at one point the path passes beside some very large dressed stones which were once the dam wall of LOXLEY STEEL WORKS, (known locally as Denton's Forge rebuilt 1868 with five working hammers and a forge driven by three water wheels and converted to steam power in 1907, all work ceased in 1931 atnd the premises were demolished shortly afterwards.), the path here becomes a little indistinct, but if followed carefully there is no problem and eventually leads to open space on LITTLE MATLOCK LANE at the derelict LOXLEY ROLLING MILLS, bear left along the lane and GLASS TILT is on the left. This area once housed three separate wheels (a) ASHTON CARR WHEEL dating from around 1741 and was completely destroyed by the flood and never rebuilt. (b) GLASS TILT dates from around 1777 and was used as a wire mill from 1896 to 1925, converted to steam power in 1907 and drove two wheels, ceased production in 1931, the premises are now a motor repair business. (c) GREEN WHEEL dating from around 1777 and suffered very little damage in the flood clue to being on higher ground, ceased production in 1931 and the buildings gradually demolished, by 1955 nothing remained except the house which is still standing on the Eastern side.

After a hundred yards or so, on the right hand side stood a row of cottages known locally as JACKSON'S ROW (named after the inhabitants, who were called Jackson or had connections with the Jackson family), they were demolished during the early 1970's, the gardens and boundary walls are still visible today

The lane now appears wide and flat until reaching RIVERDALE COTTAGES on the fight which are still recognisable from photographs of the Sheffield Flood as they suffered little damage from the effects of the flood. Below the cottages stands LITTLE MATLOCK ROLLING MILLS dating from around 1732, or as it was known at the time of the flood LOWER CLIFF WHEEL or LITTLE MATLOCK WHEEL and was owned by CHAPMAN and DENTONS, substantial damage was caused by the flood, the forge was rebuilt in 1882 and powered by a waterwheel until converted to electricity in 1956, (the waterwheel still stands although not in use)

In an area just below the forge on the opposite side of the river stood CHAPMANS COTTAGES, where the owner DANIEL CHAPMAN and his family lived at the time of the flood which swept through the cottages and the family were lost, their grave is in LOXLEY CHAPEL grounds.

Just above LITTLE MATLOCK ROLLING MILLS stood CLIFF WHEEL which was totally destroyed by the flood and never rebuilt. The dam for LITTLE MATLOCK ROLLING MILLS can be seen above the works whilst the RIVER LOXLEY is now on the opposite side of the works. Continue ahead and bear left which now joins a metalled road (BLACK LANE), passing a row of cottages, OLIVE TERRACE which were built a few years before the flood. OLIVE MILL is now straight ahead, just before reaching the mill, the footpath turns left and goes around the mill. Look over the wall, downstream and you will see the well preserved remains of the OLIVE MILL tail goyt. Continue along the footpath, the mill dates from around 1714 and was a paper mill at the time of the flood and was severely damaged, the end containing the paper-works was never rebuilt. In 1892 the mill was taken over by SWIFT BROTHERS who installed a water powered rolling mill, but fell into disuse by 193 1, the premises have been used for various trades since and is currently used by a marquee firm. The mill dam and mill house opposite are well maintained, (this stretch of footpath was dedicated in the 1980's by MR. DAVID BLUNKETT for the visually impaired and less agile members of the public and continues until it reaches the road at the bottom of ROWELL LANE, a Braille plaque at each end describes this).

Upon reaching ROWELL LANE, look across to CROFT HOUSE which dates from around 1794, at the time of the flood it was a WIRE MILL, PUBLIC HOUSE, CORN DEALER and probably a form of CUTLERY WORKS, although it suffered quite a lot of damage in the flood the buildings remain much the same as at the time of the flood. (at the time of the flood it was often referred to as "THE MUCK OYL").

Now cross the road to where the 1980's reconstructed waterwheel and pen trough are situated, ROWELL WHEEL dating from around 1723 stood at this point and was one of the largest in the valley, it was used by two separate firms at the time of the flood and employed over 60 workmen, the works were last used around 1936 and demolished in the 1950's. continue a few yards forward and turn fight through a gate in the fence onto a concrete path, on the right is the silted up pond of ROWELL WHEEL DAM, (an unusual feature of the dam is that it was fed from the tail goyt of OLD WHEEL DAM higher up the valley, and not directly from the river as was the norm of the other mill dams).

Continue along the path, the bowling green of the former THOMAS WRAGG's SPORTS CLUB is on the right whilst the remains of the works are on the left. (The last section of the works closed in 1995) cross the stile and works yard and then follow the footpath which emerges beside OLD WHEEL DAM.

At the bottom end of OLD WHEEL DAM stood LOXLEY OLD WHEEL which dated from 1690, it was severely damaged in the flood, purchased by THOMAS WRAGG's in 1885 for clay crushing until 1956. The buildings were demolished on the 1960's and pits and wheel filled in during early 1970's, also a row of cottages were demolished around this time.

Follow the footpath left and approx. 2/3 along the length of the dam on the opposite side in a small triangular piece of land is a gravestone which is marked in memory of "Ventnor" 1895. Local information suggests this was for one of Mr. Thomas Wragg's favourite Labrador dogs.

The footpath now passes derelict works and crosses a works road bridge and then passes between the RIVER LOXLEY and LOXLEY OLD WHEEL head goyt. Along this path is THE WEIR LEVEL STONE which covers an agreement in 1825 between the users of LOXLEY OLD WHEEL and ROWELL WHEEL that water in ROWELL DAM should not be raised causing water to "Back up" into LOXLEY OLD WHEEL tail goyt which in turn would not allow water out of LOXLEY OLD WHEEL DAM.

Ascend the steps and follow the road to the left, on the light was the former STORRS BRIDGE TILT dating from around 1720. In 1850 the premises were converted to a rolling mill by TINGLES LTD in which one waterwheel drove five pairs of rollers. It was purchased by SWIFT BROTHERS in 1869, by 1933 one waterwheel drove a generator which operated the rolling mill. The works closed in 1956 and by 1958 the site was cleared and a canteen for the workmen of THOMAS MARSHALL's was constructed on the site of the MILL DAM.

The footpath now goes straight ahead and passes through the works yard of THOMAS MARSHALLS and emerges at the "THREE CORNERED DAM" which was constructed as a storage reservoir for STORRS BRIDGE TILT, it is now used as a fishing club.

Continue straight ahead and the path now passes beside grazing fields with the liver on the left and eventually arrives at the bottom of STACEY LANE.

On the left is the now disused COMPENSATION RESERVOIR in which water was stored after being processed at BLACKBURN MEADOWS, In 1922 a mini flood occurred in the LOXLEY VALLEY when a side of the reservoir moved out allowing the entire water contents to escape, fortunately no loss of life or damaged was caused.

Prior to the construction of this reservoir stood STACEY WHEEL which dated from 1624, it was totally destroyed in the flood and never rebuilt, an unusual feature of this wheel was that it was the only one on the right hand bank of the river going downstream. Ahead of this point is the embankment of DAM FLASK RESERVOIR.

This is the end of the walk, however a round walk can be made or continue up STACEY LANE and return by public transport to the starting point.

A WALK IN THE EWDEN VALLEY (WALK 6)

This walk is approx. 7 miles in length and takes around 4 hours to complete.

The starting point for this walk is from Glen Howe Car Park at Whancliffe Side.

Follow the track out of the car park and through the park entrance, a castellated building, BLACK ASHOP TOWER is on the left. Continue ahead on the main path until reaching the second stone bridge, (this was the old packhorse bridge originally in the EWDEN VALLEY prior to reservoir construction and was dismantled and re-erected here), cross the bridge and take the path straight ahead up a short steep bank which leads to a stile and open land. Follow the footpath straight ahead which arrives at a stile beside SWINNOCK HALL. Follow the track until reaching the road and then turn right until reaching another road junction.

This is BRIGHTHOLAILEE, one of the oldest hamlets in the area along a collection of very old properties. Also on the corner is an old guide-stone (there are quite a number of these around Bradfield Parish).
Turn right here passing HIGH LEA FARM on the left, this is unusual in as much as it is a cruck framed house (a rare example as normally barns a crack construction). Next on the left is OLD HALL FARM and opposite is another Bradfield Parish trademark, a water-trough is on the right and is inscribed 1886. Look out on the left for a footpath- sign between the farm buildings and follow the track that eventually goes through fields then into woodland and emerges near to the embankment of MOREHALL RESERVOIR.

Bear left, the footpath goes behind the boathouse and then almost reaches the shoreline of the reservoir before turning sharp left through a gate and into the woods. Continue through the woods, the conditions underfoot can be quite boggy even in dry weather before joining the road near to JACK HOUSE. Turn right onto the road, and continue ahead until reaching the head of the reservoir. As the road turns to the right look for the path on the left.

Turn left on this path which rapidly ascends that comes out at the top of the embankment of BROOMHEAD RESERVOIR. A nearby seat provides welcome relief looking across the reservoir BOLSTERSTONE stands at the top of the hill whilst to the head of the reservoir is the BROOMHEAD HALL ESTATE and traffic along MORTIMER ROAD behind the estate can also be picked out.

Continue beside the reservoir until reaching the road and turn sharp left onto the road and continue up the hill and take the second footpath on the right that is quite steep and usually waist high with bracken, etc. A large ladder stile is met when the path reaches the road (WALKER EDGE), climb the stile and turn left onto the road, continue ahead until reaching the cross roads (there is another Parish guidepost with a hole through the top). Go straight across and take the next footpath on the tight (a bit difficult to spot, beside a tree in a dip and bend in the road) which climbs steeply over SPOUT HOUSE COMMON eventually leading to HOB LANE and a cluster of farms-buildings, go down HOB LANE until reaching another road. Turn right onto the road and almost immediately take the footpath on the left beside TINKER BROOK HOUSE and BENTIHOME FARM which leads back into the top of GLEN HOWE PARK, go through the park and back to the car park.

A ROUND WALK IN THE LOXLEY VALLEY (WALK 7)

The walk is approx 7 miles in length and takes around 3 ½ hours to complete

Starting point - Admiral Rodney Inn - Loxley.

Leave the Inn and turn left onto Loxley Road, the bus shelter on the left was the site of the old Admiral Rodney Inn, demolished in the late 1950's when the new one was built, also behind and to the left in an "L" shape was the old blacksmiths shop owned for many years by the Fletcher family. The three old cottages on the left were originally 5 dwellings and thought to have housed a farm and cutlery works in some form in its early years. Whilst the water-troughs area reminder of times gone by, the slabs at the front were installed to stop horses hooves from damaging the troughs whilst the canopy was designed for locals to get their domestic water.

Opposite is Loxley Animal Sanctuary originally a grocery and village shop until the 1960's and previously the post office until Just before World War 2, the buildings to the rear are said to have been used as a cutlery business. Continue down Loxley Road, the Village Green is on the left (a triangular plot of green land with trees and a seat), turn right into Black Lane and continue to the bottom.

At the bottom of the lane, turn left and on reaching the cottages (Riverdale) turn right and proceed towards Little Matlock Rolling Mill.. This is the only working mill remaining in the Loxley Valley dating from around 1732 and rebuilt in 1882 following extensive damage in the Sheffield Flood of 1864 at which time it was referred to locally as Chapmans and Dentons Works after the owners. The works was converted to electricity power in 1956 although the old waterwheel still remains in its original position and the mill dam is to the right hand side of the works.

Cross the two footbridges and ascend the steep footpath to the Robin Hood Inn , note the plaque on the side of the inn. Go to the left then across the front of the inn then right up the unmade lane until reaching some stone bollards. Pass through the bollards and the track goes above High Matlock Woods. On reaching open land good views open up with Wadsley and Loxley Commons in front. Holdsworth and Kirkedge and Bradfield Moors to the left and the Loxley Valley below whilst to the right is Hillsborough and Parson Cross, Keppels Column at Thorpe Hesley can also be seen.

Leave the footpath when the housing estate at Acorn Hill is reached and turn right onto the road and continue until Spout Lane is reached, turn left into Spout Lane and continue uphill past a large water-troughs, when the road bends to the left take a short cut onto the road above and turn right. Continue along this road until reaching Underbank Chapel. Immediately before the Chapel take the footpath on the right (a grassy lane officially called Spoon Lane) and continue along the length of this which crosses Storrs Brook in the bottom. On reaching the end of the lane turn left onto the road and continue uphill passing a farm on the right which has undergone several barn conversions over the last few years and Storrs Hall is also on the right. After passing Wesley House (formerly the new Wesleyan Chapel) bear right (the house on the right with the post box outside was the former shop closed in the 1960's) and take the next footpath on the left beside the cottages which passes Holes Farm before crossing fields and arriving at Nethercliffe, turn left here and continue along the track until reaching the road (this is the hamlet of Hilltop), cross the road and take the first footpath on the right which passes near to the old George inn closed in the 1950s. At the top of the lane follow the footpath around the farmbuildings and into open fields, keeping beside the wall it emerges by a narrow stile almost at the bottom of Cliffe Hill.

On reaching the road go left and then follow the road right into Dungworth until reaching the Royal Hotel, turn right beside the pub and the chapel and continue ahead until this path emerges at Syke Cottage which the lower part was once a cutlery works,. turn left until reaching the cottage on the right and pass through the stile and follow the stream (Syke Brook) which eventually emerges at the back of the new Water Treatment Works and joins the main footpath beside the River Loxley, care should be taken as the footpath is also the roadway within the refractory works. On leaving the works yard look for a gap in the wall on the right which goes down a few steps and is between the River Loxley and the head goyt for the Old Wheel dam. Follow the footpath passing the Weir Level Stone which was an agreement between two mill owners not to overdraw water as to prevent the other operating, the footpath now goes between Old Wheel Dam and the disused refractory site of the former Thos W. Wragg.

Upon reaching the road bear left passing Old Wheel Farm and continue along the road which joins Rowell Lane. Turn left into Rowell Lane and continue to the top and then turn right into Loxley Road the buildings on the roadside are the former school closed in 1911 and the Manse House for the Chapel which stands behind and was closed a few years ago, continue ahead and back to the Admiral Rodney.

A WALK IN THE COUMES VALLEY (WALK 8)

approx. 6 miles in length and about three hours in duration.

A starting point for this walk can be LONG LANE car park on the LOXLEY to WORRALL road, although any convenient point would be acceptable as it is a round walk-

From the above stating point return to Long Lane and turn right for about 100 yards and then turn left into STUBBING LANE passing the farm on the tight with the clock and continue ahead to the next farm on the right. This is LOW ASH, now used as a horse riding school, it was once a private school around the middle of the nineteenth century. Just after passing the farm tam right and look for a footpath sign marked to WORRALL, follow this sign which goes down the track behind the farm and then crosses a stile into the field. Follow the yellow arrows which go almost diagonally across five fields and eventually bring you out beside the top house on KERKEDGE ROAD opposite BRADFIELD SECONDARY SCHOOL. Cross the road and turn light and then left into BRIARFIELDS LANE, almost immediately bear right into the sports-field and cross the field diagonally until reaching an area used as a small car park. turn left into the road and follow this until it peters out into a track.

The track shortly divides, take the light hand path which is straight ahead and crosses a couple of fields before ending sharply on a bank overlooking the valley. This could well be described as one of the best -views in the area (BIRTIN CENMTERY is below and the hamlet of ONESACRE straight ahead with the white building which was the OLD SCHOOL below whilst to the right is the WHARNCLIFFE ESTATE AND WOODS). Walk to the left and a path will take you down to the CEMETERY AND CHAPEL BUILDING which is now run by BRADFIELD PARISH COUNCIL and upon reaching the roadway turn right until reaching the first farm on the left, this is BIRTIN FARM (a marker over the door states 1685) and immediately at the end of the farm turn left at the footpath sign and cross a few fields before arriving at a narrow road with a stream flowing by.

The stream is COUMES BECK turn left onto the road and climb the steep hill, (part way up the hill take the path to the left and look at the old ONESACRE SCHOOL building (the bell still hangs under the eaves at the light hand side and was last used as a school around 1886). Now return back to the road and continue up the hill (take time to look at the building on the light which is COLDWELL FARM and has a large pond at the front) continue up the steep hill and at the top turn left. The building on the corner has stone carvings indicating its connection with The Knights Hospittuallers This is the hamlet of ONESACRE which has reference in the DOMESDAY BOOK and is dominated by ONESACRE HALL on the right whilst the top building on the left is a cruck barn.

Continue up the road for a short distance until reaching the first ladder stile on the left. Climb the stile and cross 3 or 4 fields, the path is easy to follow by looking for each stile and following the yellow direction arrows until reaching a small gate in the far light hand comer of the last field which is immediately followed by a stile taking you into COUMES WOOD. Go forward, cross the brook then bear left and cross a small wall and follow the path through the woods which is indistinct but eventually emerges behind COUMES VALE FARM, the track then goes to the light around the farm which leads to the main track from the farm continue ahead and in a short distance until you see a signpost saying "Beware Pedestrians", just beyond this board tam left and follow the track which passes above COUMES FARM and again follow this track out of the valley until reaching the road. Beside the roadway is a wayside seat donated in 1981 by BRADFIELD SECONDARY SCHOOL.

Turn light onto the road and then left at the next road junction, at the next junction and the in a short distance take the footpath on the left which passes to the left hand side of SPITEWINTER FARM and then the right hand side of a converted building, go straight ahead with the wall on right and then slightly right to a stile wall, cross the stile and turn left, follow the path which almost goes in a straight line across the top edges of fields, to the right there a splendid views of the LOXLEY VALLEY and beyond. Follow the footpath which joins a track and comes back to the top of STUBBING LANE at LOW ASH FARM. At this point you can either return by STUBBING LANE and LONG LANE (Straight ahead) or turn right and follow the path across LOXLEY CHASE which eventually passes below the golf course and comes out opposite the car park entrance.

A VILLAGE AND MOORLAND WALK (WALK 9)

The route is approx 8 miles long and takes approx 4 hours to complete

Starting from Low Bradfield Village Car Park return to the roadway, tum right into Fairhouse Lane and continue up the hill passing Sunnybank Cottages and Fairhouse Farm which are both on the left, continue ahead.At the next road junction turn left down a short steep section and cross Annett Bridge, Dale Dyke Beck goes underneath. Continue ahead Doe House is on the left ,the roadway beyond here is very narrow with numerous bends and for obvious reasons is called Blindside Lane. The lane now starts to gradually gain higher ground, Blindside Cottage is on the fight (this was formerly a small timber yard and sawn-mill before conversion) whilst higher on the left is a red cottage and further ahead is Brooms House on the right.

Continue beyond Brooms House on the road and a woodland appears on the fight, do not take the path through the wood but continue on the road until reaching the end of the wood .Take the footpath on the left opposite the end of the wood which is a short steep climb (good views of Strines Reservoir and Moorland from here) before flattening out. Keep to the wallside to the stile which can be seen on the opposite side of the field, climb the stile and cross the road, look for the next footpath sign slightly to the right which directs you along through the edge of a plantation. On reaching the end of this footpath turn right onto the road for about twenty yards and then take the footpath opposite this is Stake Hill Road.The old guidepost was re-erected in this position a few years ago by Bradfield Parish Council after being used as a chain-post in the yard of a local farm.

Keep the wall on the fight and eventually a wall appears on the left making the track into a walled lane on either side, a ruin is in the near distance on the right, on the Ordinance Survey Maps of 1893 this is shown as Bamford Lodge (in ruins), the track passes through a number of gates care should be taken to ensure that they are securely closed after passing through and eventually emerges above the A57 Sheffield to Manchester road at Moscar whilst straight ahead can be seen the peaks of the Hope Valley with Win Hill in the centre distance. When these peaks come into view and the last gate is passed turn sharp left and through another gate which leads onto a tarmac road.

Bear left onto the road which now runs parallel with the A57 towards Sheffield, the moorland to the fight is Hallam, Moscar and Redndres Moors whilst straight ahead Sheffield can be seen. Continue ahead and pass the castleated walls of Crawshaw Head Farm and just beyond the farm look for a footpath sign and stile on the left (it is a bit difficult as it is on a hump of ground away from the road) climb the stile and cross heather moorland. After a short distance Crawshaw Farm appears below, follow the diversion footpath signs and then take the left hand footpath which passes the farmhouse and onto the track leading away from the farm, this track continues for some distance before passing Platts Farm (one of the oldest in the area) and onto the road just before reaching the village of Ughill.

Turn fight onto the road and at the next road junction turn left (Ughill Hall stands on the comer behind the trees), note the small GR letterbox in the wall and continue up the hill passing East and West Cottage and Upper House both on the fight and a double water-trough on the left. At the next road junction turn left for a few yards to view the Water Monument on the right. (This is actually a watertrough/spring but has been made into a folly and a roof put on after a girl accidentally drowned many years ago, there was an inscription which said WATER - EDGEFIELD - AD 1852 but this was obliterated during World War 2 by an eccentric local who thought that if German parachutists landed they would be able to identify their location.) now return back to the previous junction and continue ahead and the turn left at the next road junction which goes downhill back to Bradfield and the car park.

A WALK OVER ONESMOOR (WALK 10)

The round walk from Low Bradfield is approx. 5 miles and takes around 3 hours whilst the round walk from High Bradfield is approx. 3.1/2 miles and takes around 2 hours

This walk can be started from either Low or High Bradfield, the longer variation is from Low Bradfield.

Starting from Low Bradfield Car Park, return to the roadway and turn left past the bus shelter and left again over Smithy Bridge and then turn right and past Smithy Garage continue ahead, ignore the first footpath on the left and in a short distance take the next footpath on the left which passes behind Mill View Farm and into open fields, the footpath crosses several fields (note the directions of the yellow arrows which guide you round the field edges rather than straight across) until reaching a high stile beside the High Bradfield - Sheffield road.

Cross the road and slightly to the right the next footpath starts and follow the track which joins another path/lane just before reaching Cliffe House Farm. (Those starting from High Bradfield should leave on the Loxley/Sheffield road should look for a large stile on the right after approx. half a mile and then join the route).

Take the right hand footpath between the farm buildings and this then goes straight, across flat open fields and stiles, Fair Flatts Farm is on the left and Holdsworth Hall is on the right and eventually emerges on a roadway just beyond Holdsworth Hall (this has an unusual Dutch barn by which the roof can be raised or lowered by means of pulleys situated on poles at each comer and can be seen just before joining the roadway).

Turn left on reaching the road and continue ahead (another road joins from the right after a short distance) until reaching the "T" junction. The enclosed building is the Carmelite Monastery built in 1871 as an Industrial School for Girls and closed in 1887 and then used as a Reform School for Boys for several years before again becoming empty. It was opened by the Carmelite organisation in 1911 and is still used today for that purpose. Turn left on the road and then immediately right on the footpath beside the outer wall and across the very I large open field/moor known as Onesmoor. The path eventually leads to another road, turn left upon reaching the road until reaching the cross roads (another of Bradfields mile/guideposts is at this junction),

Turn left at the cross roads and then take the next footpath on the left which takes you back over the other side of Onesmoor firstly through a small wooded area and then crosses a number of wooden fences and a communications mast and centre is on the left (I think it is something to do with the University) and then drops down to another road. Cross the road and the footpath now descends into High Bradfield beside the Rectory gates, bear left and into the village.

For those returning to Low Bradfield turn right into Woodfall Lane (the building on the corner is the former High Bradfield Church School - closed in 1932 and used for many years later as a Church Hall, now a private dwelling) and continue down the hill until reaching a footpath on the left. Turn onto this footpath and continue down the path (behind is probably one of the best views of St. Nicholas Church) crossing several fields which eventually passes Thom House and emerges on the road down some narrow steps, turn right onto the roadway and back to the car park.

A ROUND WALK THROUGH OUGHTIBRIDGE & WORRALL (WALK 11)

The walk is approx. 6 miles in length and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete.

Starting from Coronation Park in Oughtiblidge turn right over the bridge which crosses the River Don and then cross the one way system to the Cock Inn and continue up Bridge Hill or Cock Hill as it is locally known until reaching the next main road which again is a one way system in the opposite direction, cross this road.Continue a short distance up Church Street.

Pass the Hare & Hounds on the right and just beyond the inn take the footpath to the right which passes beside a Medical Centre and into the wood/parkland beside Coumes Brook, this is Sensicall Park (named after a local resident R.A.Sensicall in recognition to his services to the community and to Bradfield Parish Council. A tablet is inscribed near to the exit of the park-) the path continues beside the brook and eventually rejoins Church Street higher up the road.

Turn right on reaching the road and then take the next footpath/road on the right (Wheel Lane) and continue along this until reaching the sharp incline with Coldwell Farm on the right. Part way up the hill just before reaching the farm take the footpath on the left which passes in front of the old Onesacre School (note the old school bell on the right hand side under the eaves).Pass the house and climb the next stile on the right and the path then opens up into a grassy lane.

Continue along this lane which leads into Coumes Wood. When the woods are reached climb the stile and continue ahead (ignore the footpath sign to the left) up through the woods which eventually emerge at the rear Far Coumes Farm, the footpath goes to the right of the farm and then continues up the service lane of the farm.

When the lane swings to the light turn left (look for arrow pointing left on a short post) and this passes above and behind Coumes Farm and eventually out on to Burnt Hill Road where there is a seat donated by the pupils of Bradfield Secondary School.

Turn left on reaching the road and after a few yards take the footpath on the right which passes Burnt Hill Farm and crosses several fields with stiles (look for yellow rectangular reflectors which mark the stiles) before joining a lane which runs into Towngate at Worrall. Continue through Worrall down Towngate Road just the independent Chapel and bear right into Haggstones Road and past The Blue Ball Inn, cross the road and head on the road sign-posted towards Sheffield.

Continue on this road almost to a series of bends (follow the arrows marked Sheffield Country Walk) and take the footpath on the left which passes through a few fields beside a staked fence and joins Stockarth Lane, bear light and continue to the main road which crosses at the bottom. Turn left onto the main road and note the old milepost on the left.Continue ahead until reaching The Middlewood Tavern and cross the road, almost opposite the inn are steps to the riverbank, go down the steps and cross on the footbridge and then turn left at the end of the bridge, the footpath then continues beside the River Don all the way back to Oughtibridge. Ascend the stone steps at the bridge and cross the road back to where the walk started .

A WALK AROUND LANGSETT AND MIDHOPE (WALK 12)

The whole route is approx. 8 miles and takes approx. 4 hours

Starting at Langsett Barn car park (which is just beyond the Waggon and Horses public house at Langsett on the A616 road), leave the car park, return to the road and turn right. Take the first road on the right (signposted Stlines & Derwent Valley) and continue along the road crossing Langsett Reservoir embankment until reaching a "Public Bridleway" sign on the right beside the woods. Turn right along this path which leads into the hamlet of Upper Midhope. Turn left when the hamlet is reached (there are also an interesting collection of old buildings in Upper Midhope) and continue ahead through the hamlet, when the last house is passed take the road ahead signposted to Midhopestones.Continue downhill passing the reservoir keepers house and a cottage which are on the right until reaching a dip in the road, as you start to ascend take the footpath on the light which eventually runs along the side of Midhope Reservoir.

Continue along this path and through the wood eventually emerging on Mortimer Road. When the road is reached, turn left onto the road in a short distance take the next footpath on the left marked on map as Stoneycroft Lane. Continue its length eventually emerging on a road opposite Midhope Hall Farm. Turn right along the road passing St. James the Less Church into the village of Midhopestones, turn left at "Ye Olde Mustard Pot" public house and continue down to the crossroads.

Cross the main road and pass under the old railway bridge and climb the bank on to the old track-bed and continue to the right along this until reaching the end where arrows direct you to the main A616 trunk road. Cross the road, taking extra care on this busy road and take the footpath opposite which then crosses the Little Don River and proceeds beside a line of stakes before emerging on a road.

Turn right onto the road and follow it back to the village of Langsett and the car park.

** There are several interesting places to look it in Midhopestones and extra time should be added to view these. -
Midhope Hall near the church was used as a manorial courthouse and it was believed that an underground passage led from the court to the church.

The little church of St. James the Less is well worth spending time to view with its boxed pews, some with individual names on and other relics of time long past and its neatly tended church yard. This church is usually beautifully decorated in Early September when the "Blessing of the Wells" takes place. The "Ye Olde Mustard Pot" Public House recently reopened ex Midhopestones Inn was for many years known as the Club Inn, prior to being a public house was the farm house for Midhopestones Com No. Just above the school - now a private house - is the old smithy owned by Bradfield Parish Council with a date and initials carved in the front fight hand comer and is believed to be the date when one of the apprentices received his qualification.

For many years Midhopestones was well known for its pottery, all locations of this seem to have disappeared over the years although the Potters Well is just before reaching the cross roads on the right with an information board giving its history and flower garden maintained by Bradfield Parish Council. Looking upstream from the bridge was the old corn mill demolished cl9O8

At the cross roads on the left is Toll Bar Cottage which was originally a Toll House on the old Sheffield to Manchester turnpike road also next door was the Post Office (now demolished). On the right was the old blacksmith and carpenters shop Opposite, beside the bridge is an old coach house formerly the Rose and Crown Inn which one of the floors was said to contain a ballroom.

Website created by Tina Bell
as part of the Sheffield Community Information project