WHY go walking in winter? Well, it might be cold, but if you pick a bright day you will be rewarded with some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country, even more dramatic if there is a frosting of snow.

You'll soon forget about the cold – and there is always a warm and homely pub or cafe nearby when you have finished.

If you are looking for a gentle start I would recommend a stroll round Graves Park. A full circuit of the park is only about two miles and because the park is at the top of a hill you can get a good workout if you climb from the children's playground at Woodseats to the sports pavilion at the top of Derbyshire Lane.

I particularly like this short walk because the rare breed centre gives you the impressions of being in the Peaks without having to travel far.
Ecclesall Woods is easily accessible within the urban area of Sheffield. This ancient woodland has managed to stay semi-wild despite the encroachments of the city.

From just near Dore station on Abbeydale Road (take the train or bus, or drive) the routes round the woods are well-signed and easily walked for an hour or two.

As well as a snowy winter visit, remember to come back in the spring when the woods are waking back up again and be treated to a fantastic array of snowdrops and bluebells.

For a walk with a difference, explore the General Cemetery at Sharrow. Now almost completely abandoned and overgrown, it is an atmospheric jungle of Victorian gothic ivy-covered graves, chapels, and monuments. Have a look round to see if you can spot some famous Sheffield names – Bassett, Cole, Firth ...

If you have transport, there are some classic Peak District views. A must is Monsal Dale. Park at the car park at Monsal Head (O/S grid SK185715) and then follow the road down the dale heading to Cressbrook.

When you get to Litton you can follow the paths back over the viaduct to Monsal Head.

The journey is only four miles long but you get a swift climb up to Monsal Head at the end to clear the cobwebs. You also have the option of retiring in one of the pubs or tea shops at Monsal Head where you can contemplate the view.

Further afield, The Roaches ridge, near Leek, has many drawing features. You have great views of Staffordshire and the Cheshire plains.
On a clear day you can even see the outline of the Welsh foothills. On the route you must see Lud's Church, actually a natural narrow gorge hidden by woods.

Some say that this was the home of the Greene Knight from the Arthurian folklore poem of Sir Gawain and the Greene Knight.

The gravity-defying Hanging Stone en route is also worth a look. If you like trout, then the Lazy Trout in Meerbrook, near Leek, is your haven. It regularly offers at least six trout dishes.

The route – from Tittesworth reservoir car park (SJ994603) visitor centre, you make a steep climb up Hen Cloud on to the ridge to Danebridge and then returning across the fields via Meerbrook to the Lazy Trout. This is a 12-mile trek.

Thor's Cave is another special place, in the Manifold Valley. Perched about the Manifold Way it was a prehistoric settlement first used by bears and then Stone Age man.

For this nine mile walk you park at Hulme End Car Park (SK103594). You immediately get breathless with the short sharp climb up Ecton Hill to enjoy the views before heading over Wetton Hill and down to the Royal Oak in the village.

An exploration of Thor's Cave serves as post lunch entertainment before you return along the Manifold Valley back to Hulme End Car Park.
Caudwell Mill at Rowsley is always an excuse to go out in winter. The café does great tea, coffee, cakes and lunches.

From the Chatsworth car park (SK261703) you can take an easy six mile circular route following the river to Rowsley and back. If you fancy something a little more energetic, from Rowsley you can take a three mile detour up to Stanton Moor and visit the Nine Ladies Druid Circle.

l Make sure you carry and know how to use an Ordnance Survey map and compass. The walks I describe can be found on the following maps OL24, OL1 & Explorer 278.

Wrap up warm in a number of thin layers which you can add and remove depending on the weather. Even on a sunny day the weather can change dramatically. Check the weather forecast, take a back pack to carry extra layers, a waterproof jacket and a flask of something hot. I usually take Bovril rather than coffee as it replenishes your salt levels when you are out for the day. Walkers also never go without their beloved Jaffa cakes, flap Jack and Jelly babies. Jaffa cakes and flap jack are classed as low GI foods and so give you a constant energy source during your walk. Jelly babies are a high sugar food and so are great if you need that little energy boost to get you up the hill or to your destination.

The Sheffield 20 to 30s Walking Group organises events most weekends.
See www.sheffieldwalkinggroup.org.uk or email sheffieldwalkinggroup@
hotmail.com. The group meets at the Devonshire Cat in Wellington Street on the first Tuesday of the month. An introductory event will be held at Cream cafe in Fulwood Road in the Broomhill shopping centre on Wednesday, January 14 from 5pm to 7pm. It is an opportunity for potential new members to meet the group in a quiet and sociable atmosphere. There will be a walk for new members the following Saturday.

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