Countryside and Conservation 'Information about the green spaces available in the local countryside and how to enjoy them.'

'If Cawthorne was situated in the Cotswolds or even the Yorkshire Dales, it would be a tourist "honeypot", as it is it remains one of South Yorkshire's treasures and a vital lung for the more developed local areas.'

'This scenic park raises above the surrounding area so fabulous views over the RSPB's Edderthorpe Ings reserves and for many miles into the distance can be enjoyed as you wander round this wild green space. Keep an eye open for the intricate wooden sculptures which celebrate both the site's mining heritage and bright new future as community park. Ferrymoor Flash, a small lake (or large pond) which is separated from the main part of the site, should not be missed when visiting the site because of the fantastic range of wildlife such as swans, shelducks, tufted duck and a colourful variety of butterflies that inhabits this small wetland area.'

The Land Trust

'Twelve short walks joined together to form a continuous route of 73 miles (117Km) in length. This walk mainly runs through the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley but also passes through parts of Kirklees, Wakefield, Doncaster and Sheffield.'

Stocksbridge Walkers are Welcome

Barnsley Boundary Walk [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Barnsley Council is responsible for managing 750km of public footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways across the Barnsley Borough ... You can view public rights of way in Barnsley on our Interactive Map. Click on a path to see its number, parish and status.'

Barnsley Council

'The River Dearne is a river in South Yorkshire, England. It flows roughly east for more than 30 kilometres (19 mi), from its source just inside West Yorkshire, through Denby Dale, Clayton West, Darton, Barnsley, Darfield, Wath upon Dearne, Bolton on Dearne, Adwick upon Dearne and Mexborough to its confluence with the River Don at Conisbrough ... The upper Dearne is followed by the Dearne Way, a footpath through the countryside from Dearne Head to Barnsley. The lower Dearne Valley is confusingly now also called Dearne Valley and is a regeneration area.'

'Parish boundaries were very important, and marked the limits of land ownership. Nowadays these can be easily found from maps, but before, it was necessary for everyone to know where these boundaries were in case of dispute. An annual tradition emerged of Beating the Bounds which was linked to the church as a religious ceremony known as "Rogationtide" to pray for good crops throughout the year ... '

Visit Penistone

'Thurgoland is a semi-rural parish of around 2500 people in South Yorkshire on the A629 Sheffield – Huddersfield road. It consists of the villages of Thurgoland and Crane Moor and other small settlements. It was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and in the 17th century was the centre of the wire-drawing industry. Today it is a modern village with a strong community life. It is good centre for walking on a wide network of local paths and one branch of the Trans Pennine Trail long distance footpath passes through the parish.' ALERT The Parish Council have amended their Website and - at the time of Review - the relevant Web Page stated: 'Walks to be added'.

Thurgoland Parish Council

'A "hop on, hop off" circular long distance hike ... For years I've wanted to plan a walk that links the official Yorkshire long distance trails into a circular route, linking the Ways with high peaks in some of the wildest parts of Yorkshire. The Wild Yorkshire Way is the result ... Very few people will attempt the entire route in one go, but you can enjoy sections of the route, or even single day walks, and slowly complete the walk by filling in the missing sections. The route prefers high and wild terrain wherever possible, although the wildest and hardest sections usually have easier alternatives. You will notice that several day walks start and end at pubs, which is of course entirely intentional ...'

Ian Fletcher