at Dearne Valley College Sports.  Start and Finish, showers & food at finish. DVC Sports is signed from the Manvers roundabout (SE 454008) on the A6023. Grid Ref SE 455003, Postcode (for Sat Nav systems) S63 7EW - Manvers Park, Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham. Link to Google Map (Note: this is NOT the Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, east of Mexborough). Click here for .pdf version to save and print

Accommodation and public transport

To view the route, using Google Earth.
a) Go to the Google Earth website, download and install Google Earth (requires broadband internet access to operate)
b) Click on this link to the route file (or right click on this link, select 'Save Target As...' and save the file rrr_gps_map_trackpts_kml.kml to a suitable folder, e.g. My Places in My Documents, the default folder for Google Earth). NOTE: Save Target As... seems to think you want to save the file as type .XML - instead change type to 'All Files' at the bottom of the dialogue box.  
c) Open Google Earth and File Open the file you saved.  You will see the route with start, checkpoints and finish. (start and finish are very close together to the north of the route; route is anti-clockwise)  For clarity, it is best to switch roads OFF (untick box).
d) When you exit Google Earth, decline the offer to save unsaved data, or you will get it in duplicate next time.

The 2011 route file is available in three formats: path (showing waypoints), track, trackpoints for use with slider for preview (obviously not perfect real time) - also with 160+ waypoints (you may want to hide them).  The route has been split into stages, so that you can 'tour' them at will rather than following the full route right through.  Again, either click on the link or right-click and Save Target As... Again, the system seems to think you want to save the file as type .XML - instead change type to'All Files' at the bottom of the dialogue box.  The display shows the GPS waypoints linked by straight lines and the actual / theoretical route as a bendy line.  From Places on Sidebar (on left) and under Temporary places, and the name of the file, select Paths - Track (one for each of the 8 stages, in order). Sometimes the waypoints and path are not on the correct line, e.g. in a lake or, in one case, down the centre of a motorway - THIS IS NOT THE CORRECT ROUTE - take the appropriate path!  

Navigation round the route (participants)

Preliminary 2011 versions for written description and map are now available

We try to specify the route in advance, but late changes may have to be made, even on the day, if dictated by circumstances.

Note: the emergency telephone number on the description and maps is ONLY to be used during the event, if assistance is requested (e.g. for retirements) and is NOT to be used to ask for further information about the event before or after the day. Note: the 2011 emergency phone number will be 07860 250878   Early versions of the maps and description show the 2010 emergency number.   Most information you require should be available on this website or by email

15th October 2011

1. Waypoint markers  Follow RRR markers, not to be confused with Rotherham Ring markers.  Although markers have been put in place at many junctions, they are more valuable for confirming that you are on route than for navigating the route - if you are not on the look-out for a turn, you could well miss it.  No new posts have been installed, so it has sometimes been difficult to put a marker in the most prominent location.  We are also aware of markers having been moved or set pointing in the wrong direction.  Thus the markers should be taken as secondary assistance to either the written description or Wainwright map. 

Experimental:  To link the markers with the maps and description, key markers are being identified and the same identification is shown on the strip map and in the written description, and also used for the waypoints in GPS routes.  Identifiers refer to junctions / locations, so several markers in an area may have the same code.  Markers on a straight route, as confirmation that you are on the correct line, are not identified.  First marker on Stage 2 is B1, tenth on stage 2 is B10; identifiers have been applied to many key markers on Stages 2 to 8.  Numbers are always increasing on a stage, but some may not be used, e.g. F11 is followed by F14, (F12, F13 missing).  Identifiers have been written on markers using permanent felt tip pen; in some cases, it has faded and may be difficult to read.  If the idea is successful, more permanent marking will be applied.  Error: Letter C was initially used for the 4th stage on the route markers in error, as shown on the strip maps and written description, but D's have been used for GPS data. 

Receipt for confusion: The Rotherham Ring Route has recently been established, developed and waymarked. The publicity, by the local Ramblers Group, says is based on a route devised by RHAC, i.e. our Round Rotherham. The two routes coincide over much of the distance, but there are significant differences, notably near the middle checkpoint (we need to get to the Woodsetts check-point to give you refreshments) and near the start/finish. You won't come across a Ring marker before the approach to Elsecar. The two markers are shown here - at a point where the routes diverge.  Both routes are waymarked - you just have to make sure you follow those with the 7-pointed start for Rowbotham's Round Rotherham.  The Wainwright map generally indicates where the Ring Route markers may lead you astray by showing an open arrow with the legend 'Rotherham Ring' to one side or the other.

2. Written description, in the LDWA tradition, or right click here and Save Target as ... or Print target (to print it properly) (updated for 2011 with checkpoint change)  Waypoint identifiers are presented in curly brackets, e.g. {B10}

3. The "Wainwright-style" diagrammatic map, or right click here and Save Target as ... in which the route works UP each sheet, starting on Strip 1 (updated for 2011)
IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS TYPE OF EVENT, THE WAINWRIGHT MAP IS PROBABLY THE EASIEST NAVIGATION AID.
Note: the scale is variable, depending on local detail. To give some indication of scale, the arrows are (approximately) 200 m long.  Short arrows correspond to sections of simple navigation, following a canal (for example).  Long arrows lead you through complex sections, with numerous twists and turns.  Marker identifiers are shown in small ochre ovals.
The map is in .pdf format. Warning:  500 k bytes
This schematic will be available (in B&W) as hard copies on the day.
This version may not yet be fully updated, but is updated as necessary changes/corrections are identified

The following are being progressively updated for 2011:

4. A schematic map (1 Megabyte) provides an overview of the route and is provided to show the checkpoints, to aid relocation (in the unlikely event of you going astray). Updated for 2011

5. A detailed 1:25000 map plus written description (total 6×A4 pages) showing the route, based on GPS data. There are also 1 sheet versions, on an A3 sheet (printable on some graphics printers) or an A2 sheet (for specialist printers) (it is best to right click on the link and Save As Target... , especially if you want to print it)  (Updated for 2011, now with improved background map and correction of location of Firbeck checkpoint)

The maps are reproduced from Landranger®  Map 111, 1:50000 scale and Explorer® Maps 278 and 279 1:25000 scale by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright 1974-2002. All rights reserved. Licence number 100047659.

6. OS Grid references of around 170 key points to mark up the route on the OS Maps, viz   Landranger Map 111 (Sheffield and Doncaster), 1:50000 scale, or Explorer® Maps 278 (Sheffield and Barnsley) and 279 (Doncaster), 1:25000 scale. The file gives codes, a 10-figure grid reference and a brief description - or use the straight list, with 6-figure grid reference (updated for 2011)

7. GPS routes, tracks and waypoints in various formats for Garmin (inc. Forerunner), Magellan and other GPS brands using inter alia GPS Utility  (updated for 2011)

To clear your GPS of Round Rotherham waypoints, delete by symbol: Flag (possibly coloured blue, or called golf course)

8. GPS route on a car-type Sat Nav  This option is available both for competitors and supporters in cars

The easy one: If you are driving round as a supporter, or fellow relay team member, the Route description (Supporter's cars) has postcodes for the event centre and all checkpoints, fairly routine for SatNavs.

For competitors, there is also the possibility of using a car-type SatNav for navigation on the event. Follow this link for a detailed explanation (including comparison of trail and SatNav units).

Keep an eye on this Navigation pages for more information.   Obviously, the final GPS route files can only be supplied close to the day when the precise route has been finalised. As always, there are some uncertainties that need resolution.

If you require a different GPS data format, contact me, Henry Marston (include a Subject and Body text - unexplained attachments may be treated as spam),  and I will try to generate it for you (using GPSU).

9.  The route in pictures.  We are building up a set of pictures to show the route as you will see it.  So far, we have the new access route from Rotherham, and sections where changes have been implemented (generally)    These versions are not easily printed - I plan to create printable versions.
The route in pictures: Access
The route in pictures: Stage 1
The route in pictures: Stage 2
The route in pictures: Stage 3a  (includes approach to Checkpoint 2)
The route in pictures: Stage 4
The route in pictures: Stage 6
The route in pictures: Stage 7 - part showing changes to the route
The route in pictures: Stage 8

Low-down on the route 

Overall: a 50 mile / 81 km undulating mostly rural route, as measured by GPS.  Overall climb is 800 m from a count of contour lines on maps. For this length of course, a Category C fell race under the aegis of the FRA would have to provide over 1500 m of climb, or 3800 m for category A.

Stage lengths (provisional for 2011) 

Stage by stage (corresponding to the relay - individuals enjoy the full experience):

Underfoot conditions vary from stage to stage

Stage 1 (17.4 km) has hard-surfaced paths, road and canal towpath, unfortunately made good so that there is little risk of sliding into the canal, to a yard and then somewhat muddy (briefly) through a wood. Track, road (minor) path through a village, then we have found a muddy ridge. Then firm.

Stage 2 (10.3 km) is mostly firm (the main excitement is when leaving Grange Park). Tracks and road.

Much of Stage 3 (12.0 km)is made-up of cycleable paths and tracks. Towards the end there are a couple of field crossings - muddy or firm, depending on what ploughing the farmer's done.

The first 60% of Stage 4 (9.4 km) is a series of field crossings, then easy (hard surfaced tracks and road) apart from the hill (climb of 25 m, but runnable by some). 

Stage 5 (9.1 km) is muddy to start, but from Langold Park gets firmer. Even the fields are reasonably firm except at Wallingwells.

For Stage 6 (6.5 km), the initial route follows field side tracks - can be sloppy. Firm past Roche Abbey, the valley path that follows may be sloppy on the surface but firm beneath, now finishing just after Maltby church.

Stage 7 (11.3 km) starts with road run through Maltby, to a field-side track that can be wet. Short firm section of road, through village, then 3 km of (sometimes) well-defined field paths - depending on ploughing - to a track through a hamlet.  The field path after and the path through the wood can be wet, the latter being downhill so let yourself go - or take it with care, especially after dark. After the road crossing it's gently uphill on a road that deteriorates to a muddy track, but down a firm field to the checkpoint.

Stage 8 (5.1 km) used to be tricky, but has been subjected to council interference replacing muddy paths with cycleable routes. A lit cycle track replaces a path slipping into the mire. Mud is at worst only a few millimetres deep with a firm base. Path, towpath, track and road.

If you see a photographer, smile please; he or she may be from Armada Photography.  Look for the results on their web page

Thank you if you made a submission for the ROW issue: it is now under consideration by RMBC and there was a public enquiry in February 2011