Where to Ride in Sheffield

In Sheffield there are on- and off-road cycle routes for leisure, utility and commuter cyclists. This offers a mix of leisurely flat routes for an easy ride and hills if you like a challenge.

Travel north east along the 5 weirs walk on an unsegregated shared trail route 6. The route runs between Sheffield City Centre and Meadowhall retail centre (approximately 5 miles). It's a pleasant, green route running alongside the river Don with few roads to cross. There are good flat surfaces and barriers between you and the river! There are cafes aplenty at both ends, and places to stop rest and enjoy the scenery along the way. If you are feeling energetic you can carry on to Rotherham.

Travelling south west on Route 6 takes you through Endcliffe Park to Forge Dam Cafe - S11 7AB to S10 3TE. It's approximately 5 miles of green trail but does involve two road crossings. The route can be extended to Ringinglow if you have the legs for a steep climb.

Don't own a bike?

Russell's Bicycle Shed has 'proper bikes' for rent from as little as £1 an hour at Sheffield Station, or if you fancy a leisurely ride around Rother Valley Country Park there are bikes for hire there too. Cycle Boost also offer free bike loans and a new scheme opens in August, see their website for details.

Recycle Bikes will also be lending out bikes during September and October to give you a chance to give cycling a go.

If you want to go a little further

More experienced riders could try these two- or three-hour rides with a mix of on and off road routes that takes you through the city and into the hills. Follow route 627 out to the north of the City towards Penistone. Alternatively head towards the south east of the city following route 67 out towards Rother Valley Country Park. If you fancy trying your legs on the hills that the Tour de France climbed last year, head north east to Bradfield or tackle Jenkin Road near Meadownhall. There are also regular trains into the Peak District where there is some of the best cycling in the country -see Peak District Cycleways.

Sheffield has challenging mountain biking trails just a stone's throw from the city centre at Parkwood Springs.

For more information on cycling in Sheffield including cycle training, bike hire and the Sheffield cycle map go to https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/SCC-Home/roads/travel/cycling

To plan a bike ride or cycle commute on quieter roads, we recommend CTC's Journey Planner.

Sheffield City Council have created five cycle maps showing routes across different parts of the city. You can find out where to pick one up or download them here.

If you work in Sheffield, you can loan a bike for free for up to a month via Cycleboost. You can also arrange free maintenance classes or Dr Bike sessions at your workplace.