Rotherham Harriers
and Athletics Club
Trail Running
Section
Rowbotham's Round
Rotherham
through the South Yorkshire
Forest
(The area designated as The
South Yorkshire Forest is mainly rural land rather than a vast
area of woodland)
Use back to
return to this page if there is no link to RRR page
In some cases, you may prefer to right click on links to files and Save
Target As....
This is the Navigation
Page
Queries about this page to
Henry Marston
(include a Subject and Body text - unexplained attachments
are treated as spam)
Main links
Route
description (Participants)
Strip (Wainwright-style)
Map (and other formats)
The Route in Pictures
(to be progressively updated as changes
become known)
New for 2010: the RRR route on a SatNav
- competitors and cars!
Route changes
this year
Stage-by-stage
overview
Travel to
Event Centre Public
transport Accommodation
Route
description (Supporter's cars / Relay co-ordination)
Grid
references, GPS data
View the route on Google Earth (inc. 2007 route)
Note: you need Adobe Acrobat,
which you probably have on a 'modern' computer.
If you do not have it, click this
button: 
The following links are planned to be updated prior to the
event, when the route is finalised - see summary of changes below for updates in progress.
Text version of
Updates, for Printing (use Back button to return to
here) (includes description of changes since 2001, where still pertinent)
Wainwright
map of changes (as a .pdf file)
Changes
to Route
There may be more; check here again nearer the day
There is a
possible access problem in the section between
Grange
Park
and Tinsley, at
Meadowhall Road. The problem is in a short section, along a track to a stile on
the right from which there is a short of footpath leading to
Meadow Bank Road. An order has been made for this section to
be made a Right of Way, but it has been disputed so may not be enforced before
the event (this was written for 2009 - same applies for 2010!) See changes.
click here for more information
about the ROW issue
Changes in 2010
Route changes 2010:
Summary
(to be added)
$# Stage 2: THIS CHANGE RELATES TO DISPUTED A RIGHT
OF WAY. Monitor this page to check for updates; ROW is still disputed.
After Hilltop, take the path between fences to the left of the new buildings. Follow path
to pylon at bottom of hill. From here, there are two alternatives, depending
on how the ROW issue is resolved. If you are planning a recce run...
Cross stile by
pylon, drop to RD, cross to track. If there are signs indicating a
public footpath (finger post or round plastic arrow sign), follow
signed route past steel gates for 30 m, R down
small path to R of wooden gateposts, cross rough land/stile to RD. (If
you see new house at end of track, you have gone too far.) If there is
no indication of a public footpath, go right for 20 metres and take grass path across field to lower
RD. In either case, turn left and follow road to hidden path on right,
behind bus shelter.
S# Stage 2: Brinsworth
to Catcliffe This route in now definitively defined, following various
landscaping and development works.
Follow Wood Lane through to roundabout on access road for (former) airport,
turn left to follow road to next roundabout at bus shelter (Aston Hotel on
left). Turn L at roundabout, then take ROW on right, opposite third
lamppost on this road. Follow direction of arrow on path to stile
close to main road. Cross stile, turn left and follow path between fences to
steps leading to path under bridge.
See the
route in pictures 2
$# Catcliffe to Treeton -
As in 2009 and following effective completion of the landscaping work, we will
use the 'old' route parallel to river: R at main RD,
(short cut in front of houses), then L on FP over earthbank at RD junction.
Follow cycle path along right bank of the river, cross the large grey-green bridge,
initially right and then go straight up to cross FB over RWY.
See the
route in pictures 2
Stage 4
Lindrick Golf Course - A subway has been constructed under the A57, and a
permissive path goes through it.
After climbing up from the stream
crossing at the boundary of the golf course, fork right along a track past a
shed (following yellow posts). Fork left obeying Permissive Path
sign, then left to tunnel. On leaving tunnel, turn left as signed, passing
to right of green to next sign (partially hidden by trees) going behind line of
bushes. Follow edge of vegetation to path at corner. The next path crosses a
fairway, emerging opposite the lane leading to Woodsetts.
See the
route in pictures 4a
Stage 8
Swinton to Finish: The route to the Finish
shown on the maps and described in the written description is that to be used in
any recce runs. It is anticipated that on the day a route will be taped
from the 'illuminated cycle path' to the Finish Line back of the sports centre.
Changes in 2009
Organisational Changes 2009
Change of date - to be brought forward 2 months. Most people should
be able to finish in daylight - and certainly there will be less dark, and
less plough.
Route changes 2009:
Summary
4 route changes are already under consideration - to
be confirmed.
Changes marked # have been incorporated into written
description, $ into
Wainwright map
$# Stage 2: THIS CHANGE RELATES TO DISPUTED A RIGHT
OF WAY. You will be advised on the day which route to take.
After Hilltop, take the path between fences to the left of the new buildings. Follow path
to pylon at bottom of hill. From here, there are two alternatives (to be
confirmed on the day - it is expected that we will be taking the alternative
fall-back route).
Original: Cross stile by
pylon, drop to RD, cross to track, past steel gates if they are open for 30 m, R down
small path to R of wooden gateposts, cross rough land/stile to RD. If
you see new house at end of track, you have gone too far. If gates are
closed, go right for 20 metres and take grass path across field to lower
road.
Fall-back: Continue on path past pylon until it turns right (about 10
metres), drop down steep bank to road, cross and take grass path across
field to lower road. Turn left and follow road.
In each case, follow road to hidden path on right, opposite first road in from
the
left and near bus shelters.
$#
Stage 2:
Catcliffe to Treeton -
A second change relates to a bridge that has been closed but a better bridge
should be
reopened.
RMBC hope that
this will be available for 2009. You will be advised which route to take
on the day
If landscaping is
finished, we will return to the old route parallel to river: R at main RD,
(short cut in front of houses), then L on FP over earthbank at RD junction.
Follow cycle path along right bank of the river, cross the large grey-green bridge,
initially right and then go straight up to cross FB over RWY. This is likely to
become available just before the event, and so can't be reconnoitred fully.
If bridge is not open (and recce runs, after
looking at the above): L at main RD, R at mini roundabout, follow RD to L bend, past track (to Wilf Jay’s), R at FP sign, through gate up bank, follow path to fence, turn L. Follow fence, R at corner, then L to cross FB over RWY
Note: the path closure notice at road corner in Treeton refers to the old
route, not this alternative.
See the
route in pictures 2
$# Amended description:
Treeton checkpoint/feedstation: moved to cricket
pavilion, 100 m straight up Washfield Lane from footbridge over railway.
Checkpoint at gate to cricket grounds, feedstation at pavilion.
See the
route in pictures 2
$# Stage 3: From
checkpoint, go out of gate, turn R, take field path along top boundary of cricket ground (footpath and TPT signs). Keep straight on until path starts to go downhill, then
go Right through stone squeeze (obstruction to stop motor cycles) / under a
telephone wire to footpath (half right) leading to bend in track, opposite concrete bridge
leading to lakeside path. See the
route in pictures 3a
$# Stage 4: change of Right of Way after level crossing at Turnerwood
Cross RWY, turn R, follow path on L bank
of ditch towards farm complex. Go round back of farm (to L) and at track turn L
uphill along track towards woods. See the
route in pictures 4
$# Stage 8: From Swinton.
Follow canal towpath under bridge, then Right up field to road, cross to
stile, follow path half right across field to a line of bushes. Go
to the right of the bushes, then sharp left behind them to a gap leading
to a path and stile; join cycle track. Follow this to DVC.
(replaces route along Hatherley Rd). See the route
in pictures 8
Changes in 2008:
Summary
Three starts: 6:00 for walkers and slower runners, 7:00 for
fast runners,
8:00 for relay teams.
Stage 2. From Hilltop. SA on
fenced path at L of new houses. SA and slightly R alongside fence to pylon at
bottom of hill. --- Issue still open for 2010, see above
Stage 2: Minor adjustment following local
redevelopment: Approaching Tinsley, after crossing canal take new FP
through stile to L and then R to RD - cross where safe, turn R
Catcliffe: Riverside path still closed.
Changes in 2007:
Summary
We are using the
2006 Event Centre, Dearne Valley College Sports
There will be three starts: 6:00 for walkers, 7:00 for runners,
8:00 for relay teams.
Stage 1
Grange Park Checkpoint is (probably) to be moved from
the access road to the track between the Golf Driving Range and the fenced-off
football pitches, i.e. about 500 m further on. Confirmed.
Stage 2
From Hilltop. SA on fenced path at L of CP (behind houses). SA and slightly R
alongside fence to pylon at bottom of hill. Cross stile by pylon, drop to RD,
cross to track, through steel gates, for 20 m, R down small path to R of
wooden gateposts, cross rough land/stile to RD. If you see new house at
end of track, you have gone too far.
Near Sheffield Airport - Turn R down Wood Lane (road works, no road sign). L at end, at new
roundabout ('The Car People' on L, airport on R), follow RD to roundabout after
bus shelter. L on site RD, follow line of landing lights to field/site corner
adjacent to main RD, down steps and follow fence below main RD and R after
bridge. Then L at end of fence on path across rough land, fork R twice, emerge
onto open land then L alongside hedge to FP to L of wooden fence in front of
houses. Follow FP, cross RD, FP between fences. Follow RD to Catcliffe.
L at main RD, R at mini roundabout, follow RD to L bend, past track (to Wilf
Jay's), R at FP sign, through gate up bank, follow path to fence, turn L.
Follow fence, R at corner, then L to cross FB
over RWY to TREETON checkpoint
Stage 5
(from FP along edge of housing
estate – Carlton-in-Lindrick) to RD. Turn L, 200 m, turn acute R on FP. Warning
– this FP is reported to be overgrown and flooded at the corner.
Instead, continue along the road for 15 m, turn right back on yourself and
regain FP when
possible.
Stage 6
On the approach to Maltby Church, a footbridge was closed for repair (as of
July) for 6 months. This has now been repaired - no change needed
Stage 7
A significant change is being introduced for Stage 7 (Maltby to Old Denaby) for
safety, to avoid a long run on a dangerous road, AS BELOW:
From MALTBY checkpoint (6) LOCATION
TO BE CONFIRMED
Continue
along RD, SA at crossroads to track. L in front of gate, follow wall round,
first down 50 m, turn R, 100 m, ½R up walled track. Follow track 1.5 km to RD
at farm.
Change from here: Turn R follow RD 200 m then L to Micklebring. Follow RD through village
to 4-way junction. Turn ½R, (L of small village green) to FP
(signed) after barn after last house on L.
Follow path on L of field to
stile at L corner (below M18 motorway). Take
path alongside fence (below M18) over 3 stiles to surfaced track.
Turn R, under motorway, then L on track parallel to M18. After 100 m, R
at stile, indistinct path (field edge) to FB (planks) over stream and R round
end of hedge. Defined FP across field to gap in hedge, cross railway cutting on
bridge. Cross stile to left of gate after bridge.
Follow track to L of fence (small trees on left), to end of fence. Cross
track. Cross small field, to L end of hedge at opening. Don’t go through
opening but take track to L of hedge to left of opening, to R of a field.
Follow track above reservoir (on left) and L of fenced area to
hamlet. Turn R at track (beware of stone blocks blocking end of track)
You are now on the old route at Firsby Hall Farm.
Follow track between buildings first L
and then R down over stream. Turn L on signed FP across field (uphill) to
escarpment, ½ R to woods, immediately turn L down FP (½ L, following L edge of
wood). Becomes track, then lane. At main RD (Hooton Roberts) go SA down
lane, ½ R. Lane
becomes track. Follow to L at end in field to gate, go down field to OLD
DENABY checkpoint (7) at RD Grid Reference
SK
479988 (TBC)
Wainwright
map of changes 2007 changes still apply (you may need to right click, Save Target As... and open the
Acrobat - .pdf - file),
printable summary of changes and Route
in Pictures (stage 7) updated
Changes in 2006 that still apply:
Summary
(Italics are new)
New Event Centre: the Manvers Sports Centre at the Dearne Valley
College
(Brampton Leisure Centre
is being closed).
This will affect at least Stages 1 and 8 - further
details below
5 Dec 2006: GPS files have been updated to include route changes
Organisational changes for 2006:
(a) Brampton Leisure Centre is closing, and we have negotiated
a new venue, the DVC Sports Centre at the Dearne Valley College, which was passed 3 km from the finish in previous years.
It is
signed from the Manvers roundabout (SE 454008) on the A6023, 8 km north of Rotherham.
Grid Ref SE 455003. Directions in Final Details and our web
site. Optional basic Friday Night accommodation (£4 pp, bring
sleeping bag – see Final Details). This
route is shown in pictures
(b) there will be one start for runners
Route Changes 2006
Stage 1: Start to Grange
Significant change. Leave Event Centre, follow College
road to roundabout, cross it to Manvers roundabout. Take 3rd exit Barnsley
A6023 (to right of MANVERS sign) on FP/cycle track. Pass 4 roundabouts.
Continue on FP to fork. Bear L, then R, up slope to Blue Bridge.
Cross BR, L, then fork R across grass to lakeside path. At end of lake,
bear L (do not cross bridge) to path junction. L along main (level)
hard-surfaced FP, signed TPT. Keep on this hard-surfaced FP, under
bridges, and follow it right across a BR to a RD. Cross RD, under metal
arch, after 200 m bear L, signed Elsecar, on narrow path, cross RD (under
another arch). Surfaced path, parallel to dual carriageway, to access RD to
Retail Park. Cross Rd, R of Morrisons, down slope, following surfaced
path, bear R after clear area, eventually joining canal towpath. Next
landmark: Elsecar This section is shown in
pictures There is also a printable
description with map (for best results, Save target as... and then
print with Adobe Acrobat).
Stage 2
( Brinsworth to Catcliffe):
Site work on
Europa Way obstructs route past the airport landing lights.
This section is shown in
pictures
Stage 3
In Rother
Valley Park.
Do not turn right off park access road as in previous years. Instead, follow
park access RD to main RD. Cross
RD, turn R (downhill). L along
tarmac track just before stream (bridge). Follow
track to canal, merge to towpath, uphill (Norwood). Follow canal bank.
Stage 8: Old Denaby to Finish
From Swinton, follow illuminated cycle path to Dearne Valley College and where
path emerges to college grounds (and road) turn L
up and to the Sports Centre to finish. This
section is shown in pictures
Changes in 2005:
§Stage 2 ( Brinsworth to Catcliffe):
We have reverted to the original route, modified by landscaping, but at least at
present open, without last year's obstructing fences : go down Wood Lane to
Europa Way, turn left on pavement and
continue to the roundabout just after the airport landing lights. Turn L
along the road and then along the line of the lights. Continue to the
field/site corner. Down slope and then
steps, under main road. R after 40 m, 50 m then 150°L (very
sharp) on path/track, on FP cross first RD, FP (between fences) then follow RD to
Catcliffe. R at main RD, (short
cut in front of houses), then L on signed path at RD junction.
§Stage 7 (Ravenfield Common)
Turn Right after barn on slight Road bend
after 40 sign. Follow path ½ Left over stiles across 3 fields.
Note:
the power line that used to be followed has been removed. The line of the
path can be followed - with care - to the stiles at each fence. Bare ½
Right after the third stile, cross plank bridge to stile at corner of field
leading to track.
(Stage 8 changes obsolete)
§ indicates changes incorporated into map and description (later on this
page)
Changes in 2004:
Stage 2:
Within Grange Park, there are now even more fences. Follow park road
for 100 m, turn L and follow to road bend and gates in
security fence. Turn right following path/surfaced path between fences and
hedge, (New bit) Keep going in same general direction, down, across park road
and up following fence round football pitches, Left at corner. At
end of low wooden pole fence, turn Right along edge of rough ground to SMALL path.
You are now back on route.
Stage 2:
The field with the landing lights of
Sheffield Airport is now fenced off (Stage 2, Brinsworth to Catcliffe). Unless
the path is re-opened, follow airport access
road to roundabout, under bridge (following signs for Catcliffe), past Morrisons and 2 roundabouts, continue
to left turn on road towards Catcliffe - go straight ahead in line with Left kerb of
Poplar Way over earthbank signed as a footpath
Details will be confirmed on the day.
Thanks to Les Hill and Ian Wallis for bringing
some of these changes to our attention..
Update for 2003
Updates of linked files not
finalised for 2003
Update for 2002
Changes 2002:
- Checkpoint 2 has been moved from Fence to Treeton, 1.7
km earlier, after the footbridge over the railway. All supporter's
cars to be parked ABOVE the new housing estate, on Washfield
Lane, Treeton.
Update for 2001
Changes 2001:
- At Thorpe Hesley, after going down through a housing estate,
work half left past one hedge and up to a gap in a second hedge.
Then straight up to the ridge where the path goes left (previously
we went half right to the ridgge after the gap in the second
hedge).
- After Fence, the turn off the main road goes straight
onto a cycle path leading to the railway viaduct - yet another
annoying 'improved' section! There was a good paddle there!
- After Rother Valley Park, the canal towpath from Norwood
is open again (last year there was a diversion down the road)
- After Swinton, after leaving the side arm of the canal,
the new path to Dearne Valley College is now the preferred route
(the old route alongside the railway is not viable, especially
after dark - it may even be closed off). Up to the road, left,
right and pick up the new path (last year under construction)
at the first corner.
The full route is on
OS Landranger Map 111 (Sheffield and Doncaster), the traditional
map at a Scale of 1:50000
or alternatively on
OS Explorer Maps 278 (Sheffield and Barnsley) and 279 (Doncaster)
at a Scale
of 1:25000 with a lot more detail, including field boundaries.
Link to Grid References to mark up your map
Getting to the Event
Centre
at Dearne Valley College Sports. THIS IS A
CHANGE FROM 2005. Start and Finish, showers & food at finish. DVC Sports, 4 km from the finish in previous years, 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 (possible lift from Rotherham and public transport)
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 06DEC09_RRR_GE_CP.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. This is still an old route, for
illustration.
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 2007 route file is available 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 CORRECT!
Navigation round the route
(supporter's
cars)
Supporter's
Written
description (updated for 2010) with grid references for map users and
(approximate) post codes for the checkpoints to assist SatNav users, checked
against TomTom.
map
(to be updated for 2010)
(1 Megabyte),
GPS,
OS grid points (to be updated for 2010) are all on offer
Navigation round the route (participants)
Preliminary
2010
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.
16th October 2010
Sunrise 07:33 Sunset 18:07
Dawn Twilight - day - dusk twilight: 07:00 to
18:42
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. Most information you
require should be available on this website or by
email
1. Written
description, in the LDWA tradition, or right
click here and Save Target as ... or Print target (to print it properly)
(being updated for 2010)
2. 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
(being updated for 2010)
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.
The map is in .pdf format. Warning: 500 k bytes
This schematic will be available in full (B&W) as hard copies on the day.
This version may not be fully updated, but
is updated as necessary changes/corrections are identified
The following are being
progressively updated for 2010:
3. 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).
To be updated for 2010
4.
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) (Now
being updated for 2010)
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.
5. OS Grid
references of around 165 key
points to mark up the route on the OS Maps. The file gives codes, a
6-figure grid reference, elements of a 10-figure grid ref and a brief
description - or use the route
file, which splits the course into 8 stages. The waypoints are listed,
with 10-figure grid references, and
then the waypoint
sequence (to be updated
for 2010)
6.
GPS
routes, tracks and waypoints in various formats
for Garmin, Magellan and other GPS brands using inter
alia GPS Utility (to
be updated for 2010)
To clear your GPS of Round
Rotherham waypoints, use the Clear data set. Each year there are changes,
so it is best to get a clean start. Also, you may want to load other
waypoints, e.g. the Munros, before your next run. Delete waypoints with
the selected symbols of Flag (routine waypoints), Circle-X (checkpoints) and
First Aid (tricky locations).
7. 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).
8.
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 2010)
|
1 |
Start to Grange |
17.0 |
|
2 |
Grange to Treeton |
10.5 |
|
3 |
Treeton to Harthill |
12.3 |
|
4 |
Harthill to Woodsetts |
9.5 |
|
5 |
Woodsetts to Firbeck |
9.2 |
|
6 |
Firbeck to Maltby |
7.6 |
|
7 |
Maltby to Old Denaby |
9.9 |
|
8 |
Old Denaby to Finish |
5.0 |
Stage by stage (corresponding to the
relay - individuals enjoy the full experience):
Underfoot conditions vary from stage to stage
Stage 1 (17.0 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 (10.5 km) is mostly firm (the main excitement is when leaving Grange
Park). Tracks and road.
Much of Stage 3 (12.3 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 (9.5 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 (9.2 km) is muddy to start, but from Langold Park gets firmer. Even
the fields are reasonably firm except at Wallingwells.
For Stage 6 (7.6 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.
Stage 7 (9.9 km) starts with a field-side track that can be wet. Short firm
section of road, through village, then 3 km of reasonably well-defined field
paths 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 its
gently uphill on a road that deteriorates to a muddy track, but down a firm
field to the checkpoint. (This was a major change for 2007 - with plenty of
lovely mud).
Stage 8 (5.0 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. Path, towpath, track and road.
If you see a
photographer, smile please; he may be from Armada Photography. Look for
the results on their web page
Thank you if you made a submission for teh ROW issue: it is
now under consideration by RMBC
There is a
possible access problem in the section between
Grange
Park
and Tinsley. From the Park, we drop down a steep slope, cross a stream
and climb to
Droppingwell Lane
. Crossing this, we continue to climb a track to a stile where we turn
right to Hilltop (Kimberworth). We cross a road and drop along a fence to
a pylon where we turn left and drop onto
Meadowhall Road
. The problem is in the next short section, along a track to a stile on
the right from which there is a short of footpath leading to
Meadow Bank Road
, which we follow before dropping down to the river.
Just
before the 2007 event, it was found that a gate had been installed across the
Meadowhall Road
end of the track, obstructing access to the track, stile and path. A new
house had been built in a compound at the end of the track, after the stile
where there are now gateposts (no gate) across the track. A remnant post
next to these new gateposts still has one of our original metal >-RRR->
markers on it.
Rotherham
Metro Ramblers reported the obstruction of the path to the Rotherham Rights of
Way Dept who have taken some action by clearing the path and writing to the land
owner.
This is an
important linking section that has been part of the Round Rotherham route since
it was first devised. In the past, it was across derelict land, with
free access. Now that the house has been built, it would help safeguard
the route if this section was established as a Right of Way. For the 2007
event, the new gate was left open for the event. Last year, it had not
been opened; I think most people climbed it. Clearly, this is not ideal.
To
establish this section as a Right of Way, Rotherham have asked to be provided
them with as many Public Rights of Way Evidence forms as possible to claim the
use of this footpath should it become a dispute with the land owner. We
need to establish regular use over a period of years – critically over 20
years, which the longevity of the event now covers. However, the more
separate claims that are made, even if not all cover the full 20 years, the
stronger the case.
If you
can help, please download
(right click, Save Target As...) a Public
Rights of Way Evidence form, which has the relevant map annotated to show
the route . I have edited some details of the route into the form, but I
have to ask you to add your personal experience of when you first used the route
and any experience with obstruction in this section. On the map, I have
also identified the Hilltop to
Meadowhall Road
section, which I believe is not currently a right of way, but would be
expedient to get assigned as such before it is developed (as could occur in due
course). On request, I can inform you when (according to our records) you
first took part - contact me, Henry Marston .
Please
complete the claim form and return it to: Director of Rotherham Streetpride,
Rotherham Borough Council, Bailey House,
Rawmarsh Road
,
Rotherham
S60 1TD
. I would be obliged if you would let me know that you have done so, to
help in the co-ordination of our approach to RMBC. Alternatively, you can
pass the form to me to send on (a paper version as it needs a signature). If you
have any questions or problems, please contact me. Feel free to pass this
information on to others.
Last update
26 August, 2010
by
Henry Marston
Take me back to the RRR
page, Henry's
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