We are The Outdoor City
Sheffield is home to 61% greenspace plus a 1/3 of the city lies within the Peak District National Park.
We are the spiritual home of climbing in the UK, with decent downhill mountain biking and infamous road cycling. But it's not all about adrenaline-fuelled activities.
We are also a city to spend time in, where the rivers and hills connect culture and communities, ultimately making Sheffield one of the most liveable places you'll find.
Get Outdoors in Sheffield
Mountain Biking
Best combined with a pub or two
Whether you want some gnarly trails or scenic views, we've got you covered, plus we're also home to the UK's only inner-city MTB trail.
Walking
From inner to outer city, it's all achievable on foot
From fascinating urban strolls, to unexpected routes through city parks into the Peak District itself - the opportunities to explore Sheffield on foot are vast. A convenient cafe or pub is never far away too.
Climbing
A whistle-stop tour of some of our famous crags and gritty boulders.
If the weather is bad we have some of the best indoor facilities in the country. But if it's good, you're in for a treat on the gritstone close to the city as well as the limestone in nearby areas of the Peak District. There's a reason Team GB Climbing base themselves here you know.
Road cycling
Explore on two wheels
Some of the most fabulous hill climbs, scenery and city to country cycling you'll find in the whole nation.
Running
Lace up and get out there
What better way to see a city? In ours you can run through industrial heritage into a national park without breaking a sweat.
Explore our Outdoor City
Explore the parks of the UK's greenest city
Walk for a few minutes in any direction in Sheffield and you’ll most likely wander through at least one of its 800-plus managed greenspaces, including woodlands, parks and public gardens.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Situated close to the urban city centre, Sheffield's stunning Botanical Gardens were opened in 1836 and now cover 19 acres on a south-west sloping site. The Gardens are listed by English Heritage as a Grade II site of special historic and architectural interest.
Rivelin Valley Trail
The Rivelin Valley Trail stretches two and a half miles, linking Sheffield to the Peak District, and is punctuated with fascinating reminders of the city’s industrial past
Sheffield Round Walk
The Sheffield Round Walk is a 15-mile loop from the urban to the rural at the southwestern edges of the city – taking in leafy parkland, woodland streams, and pretty suburbs.
Five Weirs Walk
The Five Weirs Canal Walk is a surfaced path and cycleway, stretching for 7.5 km along the River Don and passing the five historic weirs from which it takes its name.
Norfolk Heritage Trail
A walk through centuries of Sheffield history – from the middle ages to the modern, via the Tudors, Victorians and two world wars.
Grey to Green
Grey to Green is an award-winning scheme bringing colour and sustainability to inner-city Sheffield. The UK’s longest ‘green street’ and largest retrofit sustainable urban drainage scheme, it offers a calming refuge in an urban environment while encouraging cycling and walking too.
Parks with a view
Given all the hills in Sheffield it’s no surprise that many of our favourite parks find themselves incorporating a steep gradient or two. In these cases, there are some stunning views to enjoy across Sheffield and beyond.
The Outdoor City + water = fun
We're a hub for all kinds of adventures
Walking, running, climbing, biking, wild swimming, caving, kayaking, orienteering... the list goes on. And if you can't find what you need within the city boundary then fear not, as it won't be far away.
The numbers say it all
1/3 of Sheffield is in the Peak District
The infamous Kinder Scout Trespass in 1932 led to the creation of the UK's first National Park. And luckily for us, one whole third of our city lies within the Peak District.
Want someone to show you the ropes?
There are loads of great activity providers in the city who can take you out, rent you gear, and generally mean you get to experience the best of what's on offer without needing to worry about where to go or what to bring.
"If only there was a pub on this walk"
Luckily we are also one of Europe's brewing capitals
What's a Greenground map?
"Walking always lifts my spirits"
Julia Bradbury guides you round some of her favourite Sheffield walks, covering the hills and the peaks right down to the canals and industrial heritage of the city.
Outdoor Cityzens: looking after our world
Whether you live here or are visiting - biodiversity, the climate and nature crises, and health and wellbeing are important aspects of life to consider.
We want to help everyone make Sheffield more sustainable, eco-conscious and biodiverse.
Find out more