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In this article we are going to share 3 beautiful Ecclesall woods walks for 2025. Ecclesall woods is a very beautiful and peaceful woodland located in a lovely suburb on the south of Sheffield. If you’re looking for relaxing and tranquil things to do in Sheffield we highly recommend an Ecclesall woods walk.
We absolutely love Ecclesall woods and have taken our boys there many times. We are very familiar with every corner of these woods and we have designed these walks to help you make the most of this beautiful woodland. For each walk we have included a map, directions and some pictures. There are also signposts along the walk to help you find the way.
Each of our Ecclesall woods walks starts and finishes at the Woodland Discovery Centre (located on Abbey Lane). We really hope you enjoy these walks. Let’s be honest, we all need a little more nature in our life. The great thing about Ecclesall woods is the convenient location in the south of the city.
ALSO, if you’re exploring Ecclesall woods, don’t miss the amazing Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet nearby
Where is Ecclesall woods located?
Ecclesall woods is located in Southwest Sheffield not too far from the Peak District. It is situated on the side of a valley between Ecclesall Road and Abbeydale road. There are three main sections of woodland separated by main roads. The Ecclesall Woods Visitors centre is called the Woodland Discovery Centre and it is located on Abbey Lane in the south west section of woods. We have used this as the starting point for each of these Ecclesall woods walks.
Why visit Ecclesall woods?
Ecclesall woods is a beautiful section of inner-city woodland in Sheffield. This expansive section of woodland is home to a wide range of wildlife, flora and fauna. There are many trails and there are also several small rivers running through the woods. The woodlands are lush, green and tranquil. You can see wildflowers – especially impressive are the bluebells (which bloom in May). There is also a woodland discovery center with a cafe and also various groups and activities. Ecclesall woods walks are a great way to slow down, relax and reconnect with nature.
What is the best way to get to Ecclesall woods?
All of the Ecclesall woods walks that we recommend in this guide start at the Woodland Discovery Centre. You can drive to the Woodland Discovery Centre. Another way to get to Ecclesall woods is to take a bus to the woodland discovery centre: the number 97 and 98 bus runs along Abbeydale Road South. Get off the bus at Abbey Lane and walk up the hill (to the west) for around 10 minutes. The entrance to the Discovery Centre is on the left.
Where can you park for Ecclesall woods?
There is an onsite car park and also several laybys along Abbey Lane (close to the Discovery Centre). Cars also park along the left hand side of Whirlowdale road – which also allows easy access to the woods.
There is also a car park located at the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre. The car park is generally not too busy – however on weekends and spells of good weather it may be busy. The car park is free of charge; However, you can make a donation to use the car park. They suggest a donation of 70p for up to 1 hour and £2.80 for all day parking.
The car park is open from 9am – 4pm. The car park gate is closed at 4pm, so if you are planning to stay past 4pm we recommend parking in the laybys along Abbey Lane.
What is the best time of year to visit Ecclesall woods?
In the Spring (from March to May) you can see Ecclesall Woods come to life, with the emergence of vibrant wildflowers, blossoming trees, and the return of migratory birds. The weather is generally mild, and the woodland atmosphere is fresh and invigorating. You can occasionally hear woodpeckers. The bluebells generally bloom in May and the forest floor comes to life with a vibrant carpet of blue.
During the Summer (June to August) you can enjoy green foliage and longer daylight hours, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and picnicking. The weather is usually warmer, but it can occasionally rain.
We love Ecclesall Woods during autumn (September to November). The woodland transforms into a spectacular display of colours as the leaves turn golden, orange, and red. It’s a picturesque season for walks and photography, particularly during the peak of autumn foliage.
Winter (December to February) brings a different charm to Ecclesall Woods. The bare trees create a stark and tranquil atmosphere. While it may be cold, the woodland can be enchanting, especially after a snowfall. It’s a great time for quiet walks and nature observation.
What facilities are there at the Ecclesall woods Discovery Centre?
Here is a summary of the facilities at the Discovery Centre:
- Medium Size car park
- Toilet block located in the car park
- Notice boards with information about local wildlife and events
- They sometimes sell local art and craft at the cafe
1 Ecclesall woods walk (short walk)
Distance 2.0km
Walking time 20 – 30 minutes
Directions (anticlockwise loop): This charming loop walk begins at the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre. Start by taking the path located at the back of the car park (close to the toilets).
This path will lead you into the woodlands. Turn right and cross the small bridge. Follow the path a short distance then turn left, descending into a small valley and crossing a second bridge.
Next, ascend a set of steps and reach a junction with a signpost. Turn right at the signpost and follow the path uphill for a few minutes. Eventually, you will reach another junction. At this point, veer left and continue uphill.
Upon reaching the top of the hill, follow the path to the left again and proceed along the ridge. This section offers beautiful views of the surroundings.
Follow the woodland path along the ridge as it gently descends for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye out for a left turn, and take that turn.
Follow the woodland path back towards the Discovery Centre. Eventually, you will come across another left turn. Take this left turn down to a T-junction where another left turn awaits.
This path will guide you back to the bridge and the Discovery Centre.
2 Ecclesall woods walk (medium walk)
Distance 3.4km
Walking time 45 minutes – 1 hour
Directions (anticlockwise loop): This beautiful medium-length loop walk begins at the Woodland Discovery Centre. The first part of the walk (up to the ridge) is the same as the short route. Start by taking the trail located at the back of the car park. For the first part of the walk, follow the same route as before, crossing the bridge and taking a left down into the small valley. Cross the second bridge. Turn right and follow the path up onto the ridge. Walk along the ridge path, but this time, the walk takes you further down the ridge.
While on the ridge path, you will come across a second left turn. Take this second left and continue along the path until you reach Abbey Lane. When you reach Abbey Lane, exercise caution while crossing the main road, as it tends to have fast traffic. On the opposite side of the road, you will see a trail leading into the woods. Follow this trail for approximately 5 minutes until you reach a four way junction.
At this junction, take a left turn, heading uphill until you reach Whirlowdale Road. Once you reach the road, carefully cross it and join the footpath on the other side. Turn left and continue walking up the road for approximately around 5 minutes. Look out for a trail on your left (leading back onto the woods). Follow this trail for a few minutes until you reach Abbey Lane. At this point, you should be across from the Woodland Discovery Centre. Simply cross the road and follow the driveway back into the Discovery Centre.
3 Ecclesall woods walk (long walk)
Distance 5.4km
Walking time 1 – 1.5 hours
Directions (anticlockwise loop): This is the longest of our Ecclesall woods walks. This walk starts from the Woodland Discovery Centre. Begin the walk at the same trail located at the back of the car park. Turn right and cross the bridge, then turn left and follow the path down into the small valley. Cross the second bridge and walk up the steps, then turn right and continue along the path. Keep following the path around to the left and up the hill until you reach the ridge. Up to this point the route is exactly the same as the short and medium walks.
However, in this walk, instead of going left along the ridge path, take the steps down into the valley. Cross the bridge and turn left. Follow the path along the side of the river, enjoying the beauty of this section. Keep following the path until you reach another bridge that crosses back over the river.
After crossing the bridge, follow the path to the right and continue along it. The path will gradually lead to the left, taking you along the lower section of Ecclesall Woods towards Abbey Lane. Follow the path until you reach Abbey Lane, which takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
When you reach Abbey Lane, take care while crossing the main road, as it tends to have fast traffic.On the opposite side of the road, you will see another path leading into the second section of woodlands. Follow this path and keep going straight ahead.
Do not turn left or right. Eventually, this path will lead uphill to Whirlowdale Road. When you reach the road, carefully cross it. On the opposite side of the road, take the path into the third section of Ecclesall Woods and continue straight ahead. You may encounter a few left and right turns along the way, but do not take them.
TOP TIP: Near the junction along this section of woods there is a very small right turn. If you walk around 100m into the woods you can see an ancient neolithic stone carving. We have pinned the location on the map.
Just keep going straight ahead, following the path up through the woods. Eventually, you will reach the top corner of Ecclesall Woods. At this point, take a left turn and follow the path parallel to Abbey Lane.
Continue straight ahead, ignoring a couple of left turns, until you reach the main road. When you reach the main road, cross it and follow the path into the woods, which will lead you back down to the Ecclesall Woods Discovery Centre
