Image shared for Elsecar Greenway and the Old Canal
Canal / Riverside Out & back

Elsecar Greenway and the Old Canal

South Yorkshire

Distance
5.7 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Easy
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Follow the old canal from Elsecar's ironworks along a mostly level greenway, with wooded stretches, small bridges and views across the Dearne Valley. This is a longer walk on established paths, with plenty of industrial history at the start.

Begin in the free public car park on Forge Lane, opposite Elsecar Heritage Centre. Use the pedestrian approach through the heritage site and join the signed Elsecar Greenway. Follow the canal-side trail northeast, keeping to the main greenway. Turn around at the three-way public path junction before the Pontefract Road crossing, about 4.6 km from the start, and retrace your steps. The route stops before the final approach to Old Moor.

Allow about two and a half hours, plus time at Elsecar's cafés or shops. There are several road crossings, including a refuge island, and 14 steps at Tingle Bridge. Take care at the crossings and leave room for cyclists. Gravel sections can hold puddles after rain. Follow any signed pedestrian diversions around Elsecar's ongoing improvement works.

Walk details

Walk type
Out & back
Category
Canal / Riverside
Distance
5.7 mi (9.2 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

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