For me, Autumn is a wonderful time of the year. The wide variety of colours on display always amazes me.
Today I visited Glen Howe Park, which is just west of Wharncliffe Side, north west of Sheffield City Centre between Oughtibridge and Stocksbridge. The Park is some 19 acres in area and occupies the steep-sided valley of the Tinker Brook.
The Park was gifted to the people of Wharncliffe Side in 1917 by local paper manufacturer, Joseph Dixon and his friend, local stonemason, John Mills. Sheffield Council took over ownership in 1974.
The trail I followed was one of the Steel Valley Heritage Trails and part of the "Stone to Steel" project. Stone to Steel celebrates 10,000 years of human history in the Upper Don Valley. More details of the project can be found at Stone to Steel project
This Pack Horse Bridge is one of the best and oldest examples of its type. It dates from 1734 and was originally found in Ewden Valley.
When work began on the reservoirs at Ewden Valley, Joseph Dixon paid for the bridge to be moved (stone by stone) to its current location in Glen Howe Park.
Some more views from within the Park
Splendid views across the valley
Bud Lane
This Nature Reserve is one of the last surviving ancient hay meadows in the area.
Summer is the best season to see the rare flowers that were once so familiar in the countryside
Sheffield Corporation started the Ewden Valley reservoir scheme in 1913 and built the Morehall and Broomhead Reservoirs to provide water to Sheffield's industry and population
My route took me along the side of the reservoir before heading through woods and across fields ...
... with yet more views of the autumnal hues ...
... to the village of Brightholmlee. It is one o`Ghg u4-Ittlements in the area and is mentioned in the Domesday Book
Here is an example of for one of several guide stones - these were built before roads to help travellers navigate in isolated areas.
Then back to Glen Howe - an excellent 3 mile walk
