Rotherham is interlaced with many canal and river walks, meaning there’s plenty to explore.

The River Rotherand theRiver Don are two of the biggest waterways that flow through the town, while the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal largely follows the route of the River Don.

Here we’ll look at 3 of the best routes and some walking clubs in the area.

Recommended routes

1.      River Rother

The River Rother rises in Derbyshire near Pilsley and flows by North Wingfield and Wingerworth, past Chesterfield, Staveley, Eckington and Beighton and down through Treeton and Whiston to Rotherham.

It enters the town at the point where the boundaries of Sheffield, Rotherham and Derbyshire all meet near the nature reserve south of Rother Valley Country Park – and this is a good starting point for a family walk.

You head north from here past Bedgreave Mill, which is home of to the visitor centre, then alongside the recreation and boating lake before coming to the borough boundary on Sheffield Road at Woodhouse Mil.

2.      River Don

The River Don rises in the Peak District, passes Penistone, Thurgoland, Wadsley Bridge, Crookes, to central Sheffield. It runs north through the centre of Rotherham before flowing through Eastwood, Aldwarke, round the back of Thrybergh, east of Kilnhurst and Swinton. It enters the town near Sheffield Road where it runs by Blackburn Meadows and round the back of MAGNA Science Adventure Centre.

A walk from here will take you through the former industrial area called New York, which is now home to the new Rotherham United FC ground, New York Stadium, and the civic offices at Riverside House, before reaching the Courthouse, making it a chance for kids to learn about the local area.

3.      South Yorkshire Navigation Canal

The towpath along the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal is open pretty much the entire way, with some great sections for the family to explore in Rotherham.

The stretch beside the canal on Glasshouse Lane and then Wharf Road at Kilnhurst is particularly popular. You can follow this section all the way to Swinton Bridge where it eventually comes to an end.

Best walking clubs

• Rotherham Rambling Club

Rotherham Rambling Club offers walks that stretch throughout the stunning Peak District and beyond.

The club, which was formed in 1979, is always open to new members, no matter what level of ability. Members walk every Sunday come rain or come shine, and occasionally there is a weekday walk to take part in.

Visit the Rotherham Rambling Club website for more information.

• Dearne Valley Walking Group

Dearne Valley Walking Group is an independent walking group based in the beautiful surroundings of the Dearne Valley. The club arranges regular local walking events for members and their families in and around the Rotherham and Barnsley areas, with a number of other events arranged in the Peak District over the course of the year.

Call 07904 010347 or visit the DVWG website to find out more.

• Rotherham Metro Ramblers

Rotherham Metro Ramblers are a branch of the national association of ‘The Ramblers’ and represent an area covering South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire.

The group regularly heads for the hills across the regions to uncover stunning scenery and paths off the beaten track, providing walks for people who just want a leisurely stroll and those after something a bit more strenuous.

Visit the Rotherham metro Ramblers website for more information.