Looking for somewhere different for a dog walk in Sheffield? The city has vast green spaces that are both close to the city centre and further out to the Peak District for everyone to enjoy. Most public parks have great facilities to stop off for refreshments with your dog along the way, or you can adventure down different trails offering a variety of landscapes to discover.
1. Forge Dam
Just a few miles out of the city centre, Forge Dam is a great walk with scenic routes to take by the river. You can cross the stepping stones and splash in the shallow waters along your way. There are accessible facilities including the Forge Dam Cafe which offers food & drink to refresh and relax during your walk with water bowls available for dogs.
Address: Ivy Cottage Lane, Sheffield, S10 7TE
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 9:30am-5pm
For this route, there is informal street parking available and the cafe also offers free parking.
2. Graves Park
Graves Park is a great walking route nestled in the S8 postcode area of Sheffield. There are beautiful green spaces for your dog to run around, or walk along the stream for a relaxing atmosphere. There is also a good circular walk with paths to guide you along the way and a woodland feel with a dog friendly cafe (Rose Garden Cafe) to stop off for refreshments.
Address: Woodland Road, Sheffield, S8 8LL – please note: there are multiple entrances to Graves Park so please check ahead of your visit.
Cafe is open 9am-5pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 6pm Saturday & Sunday.
3. Shire Brook
This local nature reserve near Beighton and alongside the River Rother, is a great place to explore a variety of trails. Venture through the vast woodland areas of Shire Brooke Valley with many ponds along the way. You can also see lots of wildlife as you explore with your dog. There are no refreshment stop offs here but there are plenty of amenities in the surrounding areas to prepare for your walk or go afterwards.
Address: Stone Lane, Sheffield, S13 7BR
4. Ecclesall Woods
Covering 350 acres of woodland, Ecclesall Woods is a great place to explore with your dog whether it is a one-off or repeated visits. Explore the vast area of space and trails, see some great wildlife and stop off at the cafe for refreshments.
Address: Ecclesall Woods, Abbey Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S7 2QZ
5. Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens consists of 18 different areas each with its own separate theme. Trail down the paths and learn about the different plants and flowers of each botanical garden. The gardens vary in opening times, depending on the season so it is best to check ahead of your visit. Whilst the area is dog friendly, they do request that dogs are kept on leads at all times to respect their garden etiquette.
Address: Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN
6. Rivelin Valley
Located in the North-West of Sheffield, Rivelin Valley is a key link from the city to the Peak District. Alongside the water, there are lots of landscapes and trails to discover but you can make use of designated footpaths and quieter lanes should you wish to do so. There is a main trail down the waterside, but you can take it at your pace or do a shorter walk at your own leisure. You can even stop off for refreshment at Rivelin Park Cafe.
Address: Rivelin Valley, Sheffield, S6 5FG
7. Houndkirk Road
This walk is one for those who want to take more of a challenge on the hilly areas but it is worth the trail. See some amazing views and wildlife as you take the trail of Houndkirk Road.
Please be aware that this is accessible to off-road vehicles and there may be some areas which are specifically on-leash.
Address: Houndkirk Road, Sheffield, S11 7TW
8. Langsett Reservoir
The popular 3.5 mile trail around Langsett Reservoir is a great choice for walkers of all ages and abilities. With fantastic views and a variety of landscapes to explore, it’s the perfect place for a dog walk. This area is also greatly signposted, so you can look at the different routes to take and explore the history of the reservoir along the way.
9. Norfolk Heritage Park
Close to the city centre, this Victorian Heritage Park offers great facilities and woodland areas to explore. Norfolk Heritage Park is one of the oldest public parks in the country and has a great sense of community with a long history. This park has a multitude of uses, from sporting facilities to woodland play areas to family picnic areas. Enjoy free parking too for your next dog walk.
Address: Guildford Ave, Sheffield S2 2PL
Please check with the individual site for opening times, parking and facilities. A lot of these areas have multiple areas and guidance on parking.