Forest bathing at Rivelin Valley

The Rivelin Valley runs for about three and a half miles from the Hallam moors to Malin Bridge in west Sheffield, wooded along the river with farmland on the gentler upper slopes. Up to twenty mills once worked here, powering forges, metalworking and flour mills, and they left behind 21 mill ponds that now hold still water among the trees. The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail, laid out in 1967, follows the river past them.

The lower end, at Rivelin Valley Park near Malin Bridge, has a café, playground and splash pools and is the busiest part. Further upstream the trail is quieter, and small car parks at old mill sites, such as at the foot of Rails Road and near the Nether Cut dam, let you start in the middle. Paths are mostly earth and can be muddy after rain. The Rivelin Valley Conservation Group helps look after the valley.