We are the Sheffield Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Meet at Sheffield Station at 09.20. Our train will be the 09.35 (Destination Huddersfield) from Sheffield to Barnsley. Ask for off peak return and use concessionary pass for half fare. Anyone arriving by bus or car can meet us on Platform 2 at Barnsley railway station at 10.02. From Barnsley station we will take a short detour to see the Covid Memorial in the town's newly developed Glass Works Square. Poet Ian McMillan, known as the Barnsley Bard, wrote the words engraved on the plinth: "Barnsley's fierce love will hold you forever in its heart". Then we will walk down to join the former towpath of the disused Barnsley Canal, pausing for elevenses at the old lock, which will lead us to the Dearne Valley Country Park. We will explore the lovingly restored site of Barnsley Main Colliery. Then we will rejoin the Dearne Valley park paths to our lunch stop on Dearne Bridge before our visit to explore Monk Bretton Priory. On the way back to Barnsley Station we shall pass what claims to be the oldest pub in the country and continue alongside pleasant lakes and the River Dearne. There are free toilets on platform one at Barnsley railway station and at Asda. There are four trains an hour back to Sheffield. Some walkers may find the hourly X17 and 2 buses from Sheffield to Barnsley more convenient/ cheaper.
Part of the Barnsley Main complex, the 1866 Oaks mining disaster, killing 361 was the worst in the England.
