The Birley Stone and other Sheffield, United Kingdom Off The Beaten Path Tips

The Birley Stone, Grenoside,

Sheffield

In North West Sheffield, between the 'villages' of Grenoside and Oughtibridge is a lay- by on the road that starts off as Lane Head,Then becomes Oughtibridge Lane. Although only a few miles from the city centre, it's very rural.

Off this lay- by can be seen 2 stones, one of these is The Birley Stone.
Although little is known about this stone, ancient records state that the stone has been here since 1161! It is possible that it is a boundary stone.

The stone stands on a hill, from which you have magnificent views over towards the city,( to the left) or over to the Ewden Valley. It's hard to imagine you're so near to the city centre, and a few minutes away from one of the roughest areas of Sheffield (Parsons Cross). A public footpath passes by the stone. It's also near to the Trans - Pennine Route.

The ridge is known as Jawbone or Whale bone Hill.

Apparently a pair of Whale jaws were erected here as a gateway, a souvenir of a steelworker, who'd made a small fortune, known as Mr Tingle. They've long since rotted away, and I'm not sure as to how a steel magnate acquired the whale bones!

Also, I'm not sure why this is called the Birley Stone- Birley is another 'village' in Sheffield, but in the South East, and apparently is the highest point in Sheffield. There is a trig point on the golf practice range that commemorates the fact. I've also been told that the next land mass on an equal level is in the Urals!

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Off The Beaten Path: Oughtibridge

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on Mar 1, 2008

Cottages, Forge Lane, Oughtibridge,

Sheffield

by suvanki , 4 more photos

UPDATE Oughtibridge was one of the places in Sheffield most affected by the floods of June 07, with many houses suffering damage. One of the main roads into the village is still closed for repair work. I think Coronation park is now re-opened.

Oughtibridge is one of Sheffields villages, to the N.W. of the city.

Although it's close to the city centre- about a 15 - 20 min drive, it has a very rural feel.
Straddling the River Don, Oughtibridge is surrounded by rolling hillsides and a pine wood.
Coronation Park, Millenium Park, War Memorial Sports Ground, River Don, Village pubs, Village Post Office and small shops all add to the close community atmosphere.

Opposite Coronation Park is the Oughtibridge Brass Band Hall.

There is new housing developing here, breathing new life into the village.

Evidence of its past history probably lies in the street names such as Forge Lane, and houses named 'The Mill'

The Nw of Sheffield has a long history with steel and small industries, such as cutlery.

Worth a visit, for a taste of village life on the outskirts of an Industrial City.
Some pleasant walks around the area, with good pubs that offer food and drink!

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Off The Beaten Path: Ecclesfield

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on Feb 1, 2008

St. Marys Parish Church,

Ecclesfield

by suvanki , 2 more photos

Ecclesfield is situated about 4.5 miles North of Sheffield City Centre.
Eccles was the old British word for Church, so its name means The Church in The Field.

The old village is dominated by The Parish Church of St. Marys, an attractive 17th Century building, being unusually large for a village church.

There are some attractive old stone terraced houses, and pubs. (Years ago, I often came to Ecclesfield at weekends, for the pub crawl!)

Near to the church is an antiques centre, with a pleasant tea room on its upper floor.

Opposite the Church, is the Gatty Memorial Hall, Dedicated to The Reverend Alfred Gatty. Gatty married Margaret Scott, and their family of 10 children were later compared to The Brontes.

Around the 17th century, Ecclesfield had a thriving nail making industry, providing the parish of Hallamshire with all the nails. There are recordings of 24 Smithies being in operation in Ecclesfield in 1672, These mainly being 'cottage industries' with outhouses and back yards being utilised.

Paper Milling, coal mining and ironstone extraction were other important industries, although Ecclesfield was considered to be predominantly agricultural.

None of these industries are in operation in Ecclesfield today.

Ecclesfield continues to grow, with new housing estates and shops, but it still retains a village feel. Close to Sheffield and Barnsley, with handy access to the M1 motorway.

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Off The Beaten Path: Pub with a graveyard! The Cross Keys, Handsworth

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on Feb 1, 2008

Cross Keys, Handsworth

This pub is unusual in that it is set in a church yard, and has a graveyard in its back garden!

The original site dates back to 1205
It became an Inn in 1800, when the former Church Wardens property was sold, and a licence was obtained to sell beer in 1804.

Underneath the pub is a maze of tunnels, believed to lead to Handsworth Hall and as far as Manor Lodge (A good few miles down the road) where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.

Well I suppose this would be my local, and I have spent many an hour in here over the years, but recently it's lost its attraction- the last few times I've visited it's been frequented by some very dubious characters! :-(
There was a short spell about 10 years ago when the then managers had an attempt to improve things by providing Real Ales, quality wines and food (other than sarnies and burgers). I really appreciated their efforts, especially their cheese and pate lunches, but sadly the brewery (and some of the locals- "Don't want none of that foreign muck in 'ere") weren't as impressed .
The pub interior is pretty much as it has been for years (except a few of the windows are usually replaced on a regular basis!) with 3 small low ceilinged rooms.

UPDATE- Now under new management, and apparently it's been transformed back to being a friendly safe pub, with Real Ales -HOORAH! It looks welcoming from the outside, with new hanging baskets and a covered area for smokers

On Boxing Day, the Handsworth Sword Dancers perform outside the church, then everyone heads into the Cross Keys for carol singing and a warming drink or two! There is/was? a black and white photo of the Sword Dancers in the back lounge.

* Boxing Day 2005, the carol singing etc was held across the road at The New Crown pub, I don't know why, or if this will be the same venue in future

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Off The Beaten Path: Endcliffe Park

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on May 1, 2008

Endcliffe Park

by suvanki , 2 more photos

Endcliffe Park is very near to the city centre. Just off Hunters Bar/Ecclesall Road.
The start of The Sheffield Round Walk.
Popular with joggers, families, dog walkers etc.

Endcliffe Park can be busy at weekends, the nearby parkland/football pitches are utilised by teams of Sunday footballers.

Childrens playground is also quite busy, but you can soon find yourself off the beaten path.

There is a monument to Queen Victoria- The Queens Monolith, commemorating her Jubilee in 1887, and a monument to the crew of the American bomber 'Mi Amigo', which crashed here, avoiding the nearby houses

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Off The Beaten Path: The Rivelin

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on May 1, 2008

Rivelin Inn

After walking, jogging, cycling, or just driving to this pub, you can enjoy a cool drink and/or a meal.
This is a traditional English pub, with a selection of beers, spirits and soft drinks.
There is a fairly extensive menu too.

I visited this hostelery on a Wednesday evening, after a pleasant walk.

Wednesday night is folk night. There was quite a sizeable gathering of singers and musicians assembled.

This pub also holds quiz nights.

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Off The Beaten Path: Rivelin Valley

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on Feb 1, 2008

Rivelin Valley

The Rivelin Valley offers the chance to enjoy peace and quiet, with walks through woodland and fields. Walkers, joggers, cyclists can often be seen in this area.

To be continued

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Off The Beaten Path: Quaker Cemetery

Tip Rating:

Written by suvanki

on Sep 28, 2004

Quaker Cemetery

Just outside Stannington, From Sheffield follow A57 road After the houses you'll see a staggered junction sign, turn Right, (its fairly well hidden) onto Rails Road, continue forward, just into Stannington turn Left at sign for Bradfield. This cemetry is about a mile along the road, past the nursery, and on the left hand side. Along this road are great views of the surrounding countryside.
A quiet peaceful place, within easy reach of the city.

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Off The Beaten Path: Walking..city, outskirts and beyond!

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on May 1, 2008

Public Footpath, Bradfield Area

Never mind going into Derbyshire to visit the Peak District, (Although theres some stunning sights and walks, granted!)- Quite a bit of Sheffield is situated in the Peak National Park!

There are lots of walks around Sheffield, even near to the city centre.

The 5 Weirs walk, Trans Pennine route, The Round Walk, all pass, or brush by the city centre.

On the outskirts, still within sight or smell of the city are numerous bridle ways and public paths. Many on bus routes. Grab a map, or just wander!

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Off The Beaten Path: Mayfield Valley

Tip Rating:

Updated by suvanki

on Aug 22, 2004

Mayfield Valley