Can you Cycle from here to there?

[Anglersvista]

I'm 'between jobs' at the moment and have just bought a sturdy bike in the aim to get fitter, and use up time during boring days. As my name suggests I live in Lower Walkley, which as you know is very hilly. I'd like to start with cycling along the River Don tow path, I've looked on the websites;

 

http://www.upperdonwalk.org/

http://www.fiveweirs.co.uk/

http://www.theblueloop.org/

 

Does anyone know if it's possible to get onto the towpath near the Fairview pub at Neepsend, and could I get all the way through town to somewhere like the Arena. Is it frowned upon to cycle on the tow path? You help and advice would be appreciated.

[Eater Sundae]

If you go on the British Waterways website you can print out your own permit to cycle on the towpaths. So anyone can cycle on the towpath, you are just expected to sign up to their terms and conditions.

 

The Sheffield.gov website has a set of cycle maps which show dedicated cycle paths, recommended routes etc.

 

Edit:

 

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads/travel/cycling

 

More edit:

 

http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/cycling/towpath-cycling

[molly44]

its on that people would mind, as there are very few people on there, but its a question of time. if you need to get somewhere then traveling along at best 5- 10 miles an hour you wouldnt get anywhere quick, the paths are not designed for high speed. so unfortunately the roads are still the best option. even if you have to dodge the cars and ruts in the road, and the few broken bottles lying around.

[Eater Sundae]

its on that people would mind, as there are very few people on there, but its a question of time. if you need to get somewhere then traveling along at best 5- 10 miles an hour you wouldnt get anywhere quick, the paths are not designed for high speed. so unfortunately the roads are still the best option. even if you have to dodge the cars and ruts in the road, and the few broken bottles lying around.

 

I agree, but for someone not used to road riding, it can be a more relaxing alternative.

 

To the OP, I have cycled by the canal, and don't particularly rate it - too many road crossings - I find the main roads easier. Once you're out to meadowhall, there's an off road track to Ecclesfield (parallel to Wolley Wood bottom) which I've used a few times when commuting.

[Eater Sundae]

I'm 'between jobs' at the moment and have just bought a sturdy bike in the aim to get fitter, and use up time during boring days. As my name suggests I live in Lower Walkley, which as you know is very hilly. I'd like to start with cycling along the River Don tow path, I've looked on the websites;

 

http://www.upperdonwalk.org/

http://www.fiveweirs.co.uk/

http://www.theblueloop.org/

 

Does anyone know if it's possible to get onto the towpath near the Fairview pub at Neepsend, and could I get all the way through town to somewhere like the Arena. Is it frowned upon to cycle on the tow path? You help and advice would be appreciated.

 

I've just had a look on the Sheffield cycling maps (see post 2), it doesn't look like the side of the Don at Neepsend Lane is not a tow path - of course we wouldn't expect it to be as it is a river, not a canal or navigation.

[molly44]

the op will have to start off carefully, then when their confidence is built up, which it will be, i still think its very safe if you have your witts about you on Sheffields roads. then the quieter cycle routes around sheffield will be available to them, without having to take the cycle in a car !!. lots of people do i notice.

[gnvqsos]

I'm 'between jobs' at the moment and have just bought a sturdy bike in the aim to get fitter, and use up time during boring days. As my name suggests I live in Lower Walkley, which as you know is very hilly. I'd like to start with cycling along the River Don tow path, I've looked on the websites;

 

http://www.upperdonwalk.org/

http://www.fiveweirs.co.uk/

http://www.theblueloop.org/

 

Does anyone know if it's possible to get onto the towpath near the Fairview pub at Neepsend, and could I get all the way through town to somewhere like the Arena. Is it frowned upon to cycle on the tow path? You help and advice would be appreciated.

You can acquire a permit form Brit waterways for $2.75 per annum which gives you the right to cycle and lead an ass along the towpath,so your partner can go with you.

[Squiggs]

[quote=LowerWalkley;8192861

Does anyone know if it's possible to get onto the towpath near the Fairview pub at Neepsend, and could I get all the way through town to somewhere like the Arena. Is it frowned upon to cycle on the tow path? You help and advice would be appreciated.

 

I'm guessing you mean the Farfield?

 

As a road cyclist I would be heading down Burton Road/Mowbray Street and Saville Street but these can be quite busy and confidence is your friend

 

Because I use the roads I don't know the exact route but yes, you would be able to reach the Arena area by towpath & off-road cycle path with perhaps limited on-road sections.

 

Try looking at cyclestreets - its not perfect yet but it might give you an idea

 

As a quick guide, http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/1226571/ and choose "quietest route"

[MattTurner]

Hi,

 

There is a pretty good route all the way to Meadowhall that goes through town and past the Arena.

 

From the pub you need to head along the cycle path along Penistone road, follow the signs through Kelham Island to the end (Alma Street/Corporation Street).

 

Cross over and go along the footpath to the river, head down the path along the river.

 

You'll end up at Lady's bridge which you should cross and follow the cycle lane to the right and then take the 1st left down the cyclepath alongside the river.

 

You can pretty much follow the route all the way now to Meadowhall, it is well signed and follows the Don all the way.

 

The route goes further along past Medowhall and will take you all the way to Rotherham along a cycle path (nice and flat).

 

This is a great route to do if you've not done much cycling before, not many cars, decent paths, and flat! Just make sure to keep a good eye out for the cycle signs before you get onto the Don after Lady's bridge.

 

Enjoy!

 

You can view the route easily on http://www.opencyclemap.org/ - like Google maps but with cycle routes marked.

 

P.s. These routes are all national cycle network routes so no need to worry about not being allowed to cycle them!

[Evei]

Mmm, the cycle paths in Sheffield completely confuse me I generally drive bt every now and again I decide to cycle however I find none of the cycle routes are continous and they appear to stop as suddenly as they start

 

I'm never quite sure if at these points what I'm meant to do, as to stop and go back onto the road means really I would just be better cycling along the road and ignoring the red cycle paths full stops. I'mjust hoping the more I cycle the more I will find my route through that works.