In the last three days I have heard iterations on “I can’t believe it’s August already” maybe a hundred times. It creeps up on all of us.
But time spent worrying the days are running out in the summer is time not spent out enjoying the summer, or plotting your next big outing.
So while the schools are still out and before the leaves turn, I wanted to share some of my favourite green places to explore in Sheffield.
Sheffield is the envy of every other city in England, even if they won’t admit it.
That’s because Steel City residents are never more than 10 minutes walk from a green space, park, woodland or decent view.
We’ve has no end of beauty spots to make the most of summer, from a walk with the family or a picnic with friends, or even just to be alone for a little while.
Challenge yourself to a hike in Rivelin Valley to find The Rocking Rock. Climb that one absurdly steep path in Meersbrook Park and don’t turn around until you reach the top. Explore Endcliffe Park and take a look at all the fancy houses in Endcliffe while you’re at it.
And all of these are within the city limits - and a 20 minute drive over the border into Derbyshire brings the bounty of Peak District views and spots like Ladybower Reservoir.
5. An evening walk in Endcliffe Park
Endcliffe Park is full of secrets, in its own way. Walking through it is like several lesser parks stitched into one, with a big green for families, a park, a cafe, a gentle river, two duck ponds, a woods to explore - and all bordered by a sweeping hill of beautiful, mature trees, which are really something to admire when seen from Ecclesall Road. Only recently I stepped outside the park on Riverdale Road and saw dozens of the plush, historic and absurdly large houses in the neighbourhoods in Endcliffe. You can't go wrong for an evening walk. | National World Photo: National World
6. Conquering that one really, really steep hill at Meersbrook Park
A yearly tradition of mine is to visit Graves Park Animal Farm via Meersbrook Park's really, really steep hill. The game is not to turn around until you reach the top (which is listed as near 'Turner Corner' on Google Maps, if you need help). It is an absolute killer, one of the hardest inclines I've ever seen in a park. But the view from the top is unbeatable, as views from Meersbrook Park tend to be. I also really like the little woodland nearby. | Rachael Marsden Photo: Rachel Marsden
7. Listen to birdsong at Chelsea Park
I can't stop banging on about Chelsea Park this year. This hidden gem in Brincliffe has to be experienced and I believe you could drive right past it without knowing it was there. I personally enjoy a steep-ish walk up from Nether Edge Cafe up Lyndhurst Road or Union Road, but there is no shortage of parking on Chelsea Road for an evening stroll. You can extend it by an hour by crossing Brincliffe Edge Road into luscious and deep Brincliffe Edge Woods as well. | National World
8. Get lost in Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Botanical Gardens is one of the city's most beautiful and tranquil spots. It tends to be my go-to spot when my parents visit and I want to show them a guaranteed good time in Sheffield - in fact, walking at your parents' pace is a good way to actually take in the breadth of how my different flowers and trees the gardens are home to. Scare younger family members at the Bear Pit, get an ice cream by the benches, quit and head to Ecclesall Road for a coffee when you're done. Perhaps you'll run into Cosmo the cat? (Pic credit: Simon Hulme) Photo: Simon Hulme