Wyming Brook Nature Trail

Wyming Brook Nature Trail is a 1.7-mile loop from Wyming Brook car park, dropping into a wooded ravine beside the stream before returning on a wide bridleway. Allow about one hour at a moderate pace. This is a small, satisfying woodland walk rather than a big hill day: the reward is the sound of running water, mossy rocks, pine trees and a string of little bridges close to Sheffield.

From the car park, take the footpath to the right of the large gate, signed Fox Hagg. It drops toward the brook over stepping stones, then climbs a short set of steps. At the top, turn left toward Rivelin Dams and follow the water through the trees. The path crosses the brook several times on wooden footbridges and squeezes past rocks and tree roots. It is not difficult, but it is uneven enough that you will be watching your feet, especially when the ground is wet.

After roughly 500 metres, the path climbs through pines and leaves the brook. A bench makes a natural pause before steps lead down to a kissing gate at Wyming Brook Drive. Turn left onto the flat, well-made bridleway; after about 400 metres, take the next left at the T-junction to return to the car park. The bridges and brook crossings are the best photo spots: get low enough to include the water and a bit of the path so the picture shows what the walk is actually like.

The reserve was once part of Rivelin Chase, a hunting and hawking ground. Keep an eye out for dippers along the fast water and crossbills in the pines, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

Park at Wyming Brook car park on Redmires Road, just past Soughley Lane. Parking is free, but the lot can be busy at weekends. There are no toilets or refreshments on the route. Dogs are allowed only on leads. The brookside section has stepping stones, small bridges, roots, rocks, ascents and descents, so this is not a surfaced accessible loop. A longer nearby circuit adds Rivelin Reservoir, but it is a different walk; choose this one when you want a quick, close-to-town escape.