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.
9. Make a day of Graves Park
As the largest park in Sheffield, Graves park is bursting with woodland walks and there’s a multitude of places to see. Between the sweeping grassy areas, lone trees to sit under and deep woods to explore, it's a different experience every time all year around. It’s a really popular area with families for obvious reasons - kids, and adults, will be delighted by the free animal farm and fantastic playground, and the woods are perfect for adventures and games. Pack a picnic lunch and make a full day of it. | Dean Atkins
10. Hop across the stones at Whinfell Quarry Gardens
Whinfell Quarry Gardens, in Whirlow, Sheffield, is a hidden beauty spot beside the better known Whirlow Brook Park. The site was used to extract flagstones before being converted into a garden for Whinfell House in 1895 by the steel industrialist Samuel Doncaster. Today it is home to some beautiful and unusual plants and trees, including giant redwood trees from California and rhododendrons from the Himalayas. Walking beside the tranquil pond in the corner of the gardens feels like stepping back millions of years to the days of the dinosaurs. | Dean Atkins Photo: Dean Atkins
11. Keep the kids busy at Forge Dam
Poor Forge Dam is not looking its best this year with one of the driest springs on record leaving the waters looking parched and shallow. Nevertheless, Forge Dam remains probably one of the busiest parks in the city during a bank holiday with the kids. You can enjoy a playground, ducks and a cafe at this park, situated on the Porter Brook. It’s 49 acres of sheer beauty and a great place to take the kids for some fresh air. | Google Maps Photo: Google Maps
12. Take a seat at the ampitheatre in Sheaf Valley Park
I like the idea that, in case of emergency, anyone in Sheffield is no more than 10 minutes walk from a park or green area to touch some grass. Case in point, even newcomers getting off the train in Sheffield City Centre are five minute's walk from the Ampitheatre with an Instagrammable view. They'll even have to climb a hill to get there - it's like a crash course for the rest of the city! | Dean Atkins Photo: Dean Atkins