Ride Sheffield

Category: News Update

  • Redmires Update: Project Postponed

    Redmires Update: Project Postponed

    Over the years Ride Sheffield have dreamt big and grafted hard to realise some very ambitious projects and have built a well earned reputation as a riding community that gets the job done.  Our latest venture, Redmires, was set to be another example of this same commitment but unfortunately we have faced an ever growing set of unforeseen challenges and now three years down the road, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone our work on the project. 

    Thanks to the generosity of local business and riders, the money required to build the track in Redmires Plantation was quickly raised. We formed an excellent relationship with Sheffield conservation groups to ensure we knew what possible impacts we could have on local wildlife. Ride Sheffield and Sheffield City Council (SCC) went the extra mile to produce a proposal that addressed numerous issues that could have an impact on the project.

    But that’s where the good news ends. Redmires lies within the Peak District National Park (PDNP) and therefore comes under close scrutiny due to its proximity to land that is of prime conservation status. The National Park Authority has the highest standards and in spite of our best efforts to fulfill those standards, we have run into a brick wall.

    Along with local residents, the PDNP has raised a number of objections including the effect the trail would have on landscape value, exacerbated by Storm Doris felling a belt of trees adjacent to the Long Causeway. The possible increase in parking and the fact that an endangered species, nightjar, is now nesting in the plantation were also crucial issues.

    We may all have opinions about the veracity of these objections but we were under no illusions when we first proposed this project that it would be a real challenge. The delay has understandably caused some serious debate within the local riding community with some arguing that we should abandon Redmires. Rightly or wrongly, we stuck to our guns for three years but, as a result of changing circumstances, we have to make a difficult decision.  Given the complexity of the planning application, it’s highly likely that Redmires will not be built for five years.

    But we’re not giving up. For a number of reasons, we’re determined to continue striving to achieve what would be a ground-breaking trail. It would set an important precedent, that mountain biking and conservation can co-exist. Time will be a factor because the growth of new trees will have a number of benefits for our project, not least removing the landscape impact.

    Importantly, this allows us to move on in a number of ways. First up, we’re keen to revitalise Greno. All three tracks need maintenance and reinvention with DH3 due an overhaul to ensure it becomes as popular as Steel City and Pub Run. We’ve already spoken to our corporate sponsors and they’re happy for funds they donated to be used for Greno. That, along with donations to the Greno Trail Fund and the Xmas raffle means we’re close to the required sum.

    Secondly, Lady Canning’s has been incredibly popular since construction and is showing serious signs of wear and tear. Again, we want to bring it back up to the highest possible standard. We may not be able to rebuild both of them immediately as that will depend massively on the continuing generosity of the Ride Sheffield mountain bike community. We’re in the process of making an application to the Santa Cruz Pay Dirt fund which could go some way to financing this work.

    Sheffield is the coolest mountain biking scene in the country. Thanks to the support of our community, we raised £45,000 towards Redmires. At some time in 2021, we will seek your opinions on what to do with the remaining Redmires funds. Ride Sheffield is determined to carry on listening to our supporters, being influenced by them and supporting the local mountain bike community.

  • White Lanes by Nick Blaney

    At Ride Sheffield we are always keen for local riders to come to us with good ideas, and this one from Nick Blaney is a belter. As a Ride Sheffield supporter Nick has something for you all to entertain yourselves during these soggy dark winter months. Over to Nick….

    Nick Blaney

    The Countryside Rights Of Way Act 2000 has set a deadline of January 2026 for rights of way claims to historic paths which existed before 1949 but not currently registered as Public Rights Of Way(PROW). What does this mean for mountain bikers, horse riders and walkers? Well any ‘white lanes’ or unregistered tracks we currently use as part of our routes could be blocked by landowners at any time. 

    The Ramblers Association and the British Horse Society have started projects, ‘Don’t Lose Your Way’ and ‘Project 2026’ respectively, to help identify historic paths and lanes and make submissions to have these legally registered as PROW’s through Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMO’s) applications. These usually require painstaking evidence gathering and a good understanding of the process.

    In addition the Sheffield Lakeland and Landscape Partnership(SLLP), which covers the area inclusive of Redmires, Rivelin, Derwent Edge, Langsett, Midhope and Underbank, Walkley and Worrall (mainly S6, northern part of S10 and southern bits of S35 and S36), have a Highways Heritage Project(HHP) which has made great progress in identifying over 50  possible routes. These include DMMO applications for historic tracks, ‘white lanes’ on your OS maps, options to upgrade suitable footpaths to bridleways and  potential for new bridleways through private land. These require diligent research or building positive working relationships with landowners such as Sheffield City Council, Yorkshire Water and estate owners.

    Whirlow Byway

    So what can we do as mountain bikers in Sheffield? If you live outside the SLLP boundary (quite thoroughly researched already) check your local OS maps to see if your local routes are official. If not, are they ‘white lanes’ or potentially historic drovers paths of cart tracks? Are any of your local footpaths good candidates for upgrade to bridleway status? Do you know any horse riders in your local area who may already be looking in to this? If so make contact.

    I am now trained to record potential historic rights of ways through the BHS Project 2026 website so let me know of any candidates in your area. I can also provide some advice on how you may make a start engaging with the right parties for other potential (non historic) rights of ways changes.

    If you are a bit of a map geek like myself the National Library for Scotland has digitised copies of all OS maps from 1850 onwards. Unfortunately SCC does not have digitised copies of the local Definitive Map or any local parish maps that predate 1850.

    Some useful background information in the links below:

    Sheffield Lakeland Land Partnership (including map)

    Ramblers Association

    National Library for Scotland

    British Horse Society Project 2026

    To get involved please email Nick Blaney at nicbla62@gmail.com to show your support and help protect our trails.

  • State of Play: Mountain Biking lessons from lockdown and beyond

    State of Play: Mountain Biking lessons from lockdown and beyond

    As we face another lockdown, what have we learnt as riders that can help us through the next one while preserving our physical and mental health and a positive outlook for the sport?

     To say that this year has been a little bit odd would be understating things just a touch. But for many of us, bikes have been our salvation during the past seven months. It gave us an escape once a day during lockdown, a way of spending time with friends as things gradually ease (and now as we lockdown again). It has brought countless new riders into the sport (not to mention huge numbers of people out into the countryside). It has stripped shops of bikes but has also meant that so many more people are trying mountain biking for the first time or bringing lapsed riders back into the fold, not to mention all the kids that learned to ride during that time too.

    So out of what is really quite a desperate situation, there can be some real positives. It’s not been easy, just the sheer number of people out in the Peak and beyond has at times proved to be a real challenge, but that does not mean that it’s a bad thing. This year has brought about a lot of change, but if there is something to take away from that, it’s that change happens, and the quicker we can get a handle on it the better.

    So, after more than half a year of change and facing a winter of discontent and further restrictions, what  has mountain biking learnt, what mistakes do we still keep on making and how do we work with this change to make the sport stronger on the other side?

    We asked riders new and old, land managers and anyone else we have stopped and chatted to (formally and informally) along the way and here is what we found…..

    Riding

    • Trying harder than usual to avoid a trip to A&E provided its own set of challenges and arguments. You could hurt yourself doing the most benign trail, gnar and speed is relative and riding at less than 50% often felt scarier and otb worthy than normal riding. For most, their own judgement got them by just fine. #nocarnognarnotfar was an effective stick to beat ourselves with that we maybe could have done without.
    • For those who were lucky enough to have trails on the doorstep, the prospect of a daily ride sounded great. But at a sedate pace it may have seemed less interesting.  With a bit more repetition now was the chance to work on improving technique, tweaking setups and finding new lines through old trails. New trails were found closer to home. Routes were reversed, who knew your favourite descent could be an engaging climb too, not to mention the views you had been missing.

    Being Nice and Saying Hi 

    • Never has there been more of a need for this. Interactions in the outdoors were for many people the only time they encountered another person. That smile and hello you gave them could have been their  sole interaction for days.
    • Saying hi can smooth the ride considerably (especially if you ride with kids) – We’ve all encountered , the person who suddenly and silently appears on your wheel, huffing under their breath until they find somewhere to squeeze past. Who would have thought that a friendly “hi, could I squeeze past when there is space” would make it easier and quicker for all (this is not just an MTB problem).
    • Some people can’t hear you – the elderly person who doesn’t seem to hear you or the person who refuses to move out of the way because their hearing isn’t what it was anymore, or they could be profoundly deaf. So next time, rather than buzzing them and scaring the Werther’s Original out of them, maybe give them the benefit of the doubt and slow down and pass wide.
    • 2m passing space is not a bad idea – If giving everyone 2m as you passed by seemed a lot, maybe you have been passing a bit too closely all these years.
    • Brake checking or backpedalling is not how to let people know you want to pass– Next time you are on a stretch of road linking the trails, imagine a car or HGV locking up its wheels behind you (just to let you know it’s there!) nice eh!?
    • Say hi, pass wide, pass slow – try it on your next ride, you may be pleasantly surprised!
    • Lastly, being nice doesn’t just have to be reserved for the trails. We have a great riding community in Sheffield and even in the best of times our main interactions with one another are online. Just because someone doesn’t share the same view as you, doesn’t mean they are wrong. Just because we are united by mountain biking, doesn’t mean we will, or should have the same opinions. Embrace debate and if someone disagrees with you, deal with it or even reflect on their opinions. If you’re tempted to call out snowflake, you probably need to up your debate game!
    Photo: Duncan Philpott

    Access

    • Just because you aren’t at work, doesn’t mean that land managers are off too! – Lockdown saw an explosion of cheeky riding, less people out and no one to check meant that everywhere was fair game right? Well maybe not, reports of mountain bikers being in places that they were not meant to be, hit an all-time high during lockdown.
    • The hills and woodland surrounding Sheffield were not just a source of solace to riders, lots of people were suddenly out on the trails and who could blame them. Some people were more precious than others, unhappy that their spot was suddenly busy. I am sure some riders felt that too and could share a little empathy here. In more extreme cases we even saw trapping of trails as a sign of frustration. While never right, it does highlight how emotive people’s relationships to spaces they feel ownership of is.
    • So many new people out in the countryside has certainly created some headaches, from car parking to fires and lots of litter. But more people out in nature is overwhelmingly a positive thing. Just because they have not yet learned to respect it like more traditional users does not mean that they should be kept away. A delicate bit of education goes a lot further than shouting down someone’s mistakes.
    • There was (and still is) a big increase in the number of trails being carved into hillsides across the country. In some way this has to be applauded, it’s great to see riders with passion and dedication to create progressive riding. In some cases, these spots may well be adopted and become iconic destinations for riders. But for every well thought out and considerately constructed trail, there will be hundreds of others that will be forgotten scars in places that they maybe shouldn’t be, that cause friction between landowners and riders. A balance needs to be struck for sure.
    • There have been so many new riders entering the sport in the last eight months. So much so that it has caused a national (even global) shortage of bikes. More riders make our roads safer places to be and makes lobbying for increased access and other places to ride potentially easier. But they need to stay in the sport and the best way to do that (other than encouraging them to enjoy winter) is to show what a welcoming and inclusive sport it can be. Out on the trails and online, take the time to say hi and chat to people who are new to the sport (or just in general). Share hints and tips on setup and kit as well as riding skills (if they ask!). Chat to those colleagues who have just got bikes, take them out for a ride (on nice progressive trails), remember what it’s like to be a beginner again and feel how good it is to give a little back!
    • We still face a long winter of disruption, for many of us these are extremely difficult times, so what can you do to make it easier on yourself and others over the next few months and maybe even come out of the other end feeling good about something.

    Look after your mental health

    Winter can be trying at the best of times, Christmas is not always happy for everyone, so try and do what you can to promote good mental wellbeing and health in yourself and others…

    • Try to get outside and ride in daylight once a week, it will make you feel good and the body will appreciate the vitamin D (it’s worth taking extra this time of year too).
    • Any rider with depression will tell you that the biggest challenge is getting out of the house (depression is physically exhausting too), but is always worth it when they do. The clean up from a short ride may not seem the hassle, but develop good routines for bike cleaning, leave a hat and a flask (Tea, Coffee Whiskey) near your cleaning kit, as well as a towel and a bag for dirty kit by the door when you head out and it will make it that bit easier.
    • Check in on your friends, especially the ones skipping out on rides, they may need your help the most.
    • It’s ok not to be ok! Simple really, but you don’t need to kid yourself you are ok or tough it out. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in this country. If you don’t want to talk to your friends call Samaritans on 116 123 (free call).
    • Be kind to yourself, give yourself a break and remember that one of the best things about riding a bike is that extra large cake allowance that it gives you!

    Look after yourself and others

    • Give your riding buddy and other users the space they need when you are out on the trail (and elsewhere) especially in the busier areas
    • If you want to avoid the crowds, try and ride away from peak times
    • Say hi to others out on the trail, a two minute chat may be the only contact some people may have had that day!
    • Check in on your family and friends when you can
    • Consider what you post online, your amazing picture of a bit of freedom out on the trail with a friend, may heighten someone else’s isolation and despair at not being able to be doing the same.
    • Winter is never the time to be learning new tricks or hunting KoM’s. Take a read of the advice of Tested to Destruction if you want a little help on this. Now is probably not the time for a hospital visit either! http://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2020/02/go-outside-sit-down-wait.html

    Look after the trails

    Over the next month and possibly more we will not be able to get out and work on the trails (we have been working hard recently, but in restricted size groups) so please be considerate of where you ride.

    • Try and ride on sustainable surfaces where you can. We are lucky to have a lot of rocky and free draining trails to give you a lot of riding options for winter.
    • Now is not time to explore delicate footpaths or to start to try and form your own desire lines (especially down the fall line) 
    • Follow @KOTP on twitter or keep updated on trail conditions here https://ridesheffield.org.uk/trail-conditions/ 
    • Donate to the trail funds, so when we can get out we can support our work better https://ridesheffield.org.uk/support-us-2/

    Give a little back

    • Kick out a drain, move some debris off the trail, report problems you see on the trail (info@ridesheffield.org.uk) and it will keep things moving a little easier.
    • Have a little Selfless Isolation and take a note from Trash Free Trails and have a litter pick at your favourite riding spot (some tips here…) 
    • Share your thoughts or ideas of what you would like us to be doing more (or less) of. Or even better, get in touch and ask to join a mailing list for our trail teams when we can get back out again.
    • Donate to Ride Sheffield and help us keep your trails running sweet https://ridesheffield.org.uk/support-us-2/

    And finally…. Let your riding give you a constant, a chance to take your mind off things and return home feeling more like yourself. Take the time to share that good feeling when you are out on the trails and online. 

    Let the wind and rain sting your face and remember how good it is to feel strong and free and privileged to be out on a bike in the hills

  • Levelling Up to Tier 3 for Sheffield MTBers

    Levelling Up to Tier 3 for Sheffield MTBers

    LOCKDOWN 2 UPDATE – please bear in mind that this article was originally written when Sheffield had been moved into Tier 3, with Derbyshire in Tiers 1 and 2. As of November 5th, England is now in Lockdown, meaning slightly different guidelines yet again. Full details can be found here , but here’s a quick update;

    While we should stay at home wherever possible, we are allowed to exercise outside with members of our own household, those we’ve formed a support bubble with, or one other person from another household.

    Travel is now only allowed for a handful of purposes, although this does include travel for exercise. We’re aware that for many people driving to ride is the only option, but would suggest riding from home wherever possible. If you do travel, be considerate of others, especially in isolated villages with lower infection rates but higher numbers of elderly people. Ride well within your limits, but do get out there – riding is SO good for your mental and physical health!

    As the announcement was made that Sheffield is heading into Tier 3 Covid restrictions we can’t deny one of our first thoughts was ‘can we still MTB with our mates?’, closely followed by ‘can we still go to the pub after a ride?’.


    At Ride Sheffield we’re all about keeping you safe on and off the trails so here’s how we see it when it comes to riding in Sheffield under Tier 3. This is a helping hand to interpret the rules and understand what it means for us when it comes to shredding in Sheffield. Our focus here is on the restrictions for those people living within Sheffield not people travelling from other regions.


    These were the first questions we asked, so based on the information we now have we’ll do our best to answer them.

    Can I ride with friends outside of my household?

    Tier 3 interpretation: The guidelines state you can ride as a group of six or under but you must adhere to the social distancing rules of 2 metres. 

    Ride Sheffield guidance: When on Bridleways try to keep your social distance from your riding group but also be aware of other trail users who perhaps are not as comfortable mixing outside of their household. Do the right thing if the trail is tight, stand aside and ‘be nice say hi’ to walkers or horse riders.

    Can I ride on my local trails and Ride Sheffield trails?

    Tier 3 interpretation: As Greno, Parkwood and Lady Cannings are all within the Sheffield boundary you can absolutely use these trails if you are keeping your social distance in place.

    Ride Sheffield guidance: This is why we have invested so much in delivering sustainable local trails, so enjoy them and hone your skills for when we’re released back out of this tier. Please bear in mind that popular spots may get busy, particularly at weekends. Be prepared to head somewhere else!

    Which mountain bike trails are within the Sheffield boundary?

    Tier 3 interpretation: As outlined above you are allowed to ride local trails so knowing the boundary is important. You can check out OS maps or regional maps.

    Sheffield boundary road map

    Ride Sheffield guidance: In addition to the obvious popular spots, please be willing to give something different a try. Maybe that local bridleway near your house isn’t as exciting as practicing your favourite berms, but it may well be a good bit quieter and help spread the load.

    You can also take a look at the Trailforks map on our website to give you further ideas of loops to head for on the mountain bike.

    Can I ride over the border into Derbyshire?

    Tier 3 interpretation: This is not advisable as it is deemed as unnecessary travel and residents in Tier 3 are not supposed to visit areas in Tier 2, which would include most areas of Derbyshire bordering Sheffield. There’s a lot of confusion around the naming of areas, bearing in mind that Peak District doesn’t just mean Derbyshire – it’s far from straightforward and better to follow by County area.

    Ride Sheffield guidance: At this time, we wouldn’t recommend riding in Derbyshire but if you do, consider avoiding local cafes and shops as this is where most of the animosity occurred during the first lockdown. We are conscious of thinking about the locals in villages of Derbyshire who will not be wanting an influx of people from Sheffield so we’re seeing this as a good time to stay local.

    Can I go to the pub after my ride?

    Unless you’re riding with your household or meeting them afterwards for food it’s a no.

    Ride Sheffield guidance: Pack some good trail snacks and have a socially distanced stop and chat in the wilderness.

     We understand everyone’s interpretations can be slightly different but under our ‘be nice say hi’ mantra, now doesn’t seem the time to push the boundaries. The more we all play the game and stick to the rules, the sooner we can be planning trips out of area, and who knows maybe even abroad – that’s our 2021 goals right there!

  • Sheffield Hallam University E-Bike Study: Volunteers Wanted

    10 years ago it would have ben hards to imagine quite what the MTB landscape would look like now. Back in 2010 long, low and slack was merely a whisper, 29 inch wheels were used by xc racers and weirdos and the idea of having a battery powered boost up and (occasionally) down the hills was unheard of.

    But now it is pretty common place, with what feels like almost half the bikes now on the trails being E-Bikes, it is a booming market. But it is still an easily misunderstood and often maligned area of the sport. Fortunately we have couple of rather progressive universities in the city that understand the need for wide ranging research. Sheffield Hallam University has long been a supporter of the Outdoor City and is now conducting a body of research and here is a little more about it and how you can get get involved…..

    Jim Cherrington, a researcher from Sheffield Hallam University, is looking to recruit participants for a study which examines people’s experience with e-mountain bikes, and the social, cultural, and political implications of this emerging technology. Throughout the study he will also be addressing wider environmental issues and concerns, as well as the impact of such technological developments on our relation both to and with our ‘natural’ environments.

    In order to explore these issues he is inviting anyone who currently owns an e-mountain bike and lives in England, to take part in an informal interview either in person or over ‘Zoom’, depending on your preference and location (and subject to changing government guidelines regarding Covid-19). The interview will last approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour, although the length of interview is entirely dependent on the amount of time that you are willing to offer.

    Anyone who is interested should contact Jim Cherrington directly at: j.cherrington@shu.ac.uk

  • Greno Woods Trail Damage Update

    It’s never good news to start the day with news that someone has been out to try and trash your trails. When you dig fun little trails hidden from view (or permission) this is often part of the game. Gutting, but part of the game. But it is pretty unusual to have sanctioned trails damaged. But that’s what happened up in Greno Woods the Sunday before last.

    (more…)

  • Redmires – what’s been going on?

    Suffice to say, our Redmires project hasn’t gone as smoothly as some of our other works. We’ve not been the best at updating you guys, but that’s partly been down to not having firm answers on everything.

    So, to bring you all up to date.

    Redmires has funds in place, that’s sat in our account waiting – there’s been no change there. Where we and Sheffield City Council have had issues is with planning permission and surrounding issues.

    With ground nesting birds on site, specifically Nightjars, we discussed the idea of a partial trail closure on the top section of the track during ground nesting bird season. That’s an option, but expensive to do the works to close/open the section each time. Within 2-4 years, the Nightjars are likely to move on, away from the bike trail and into new felled areas. This is something for us to bear in mind as the project progresses, but isn’t the main reason for the delays – it’s really down to Planning Permission.

    Peak District National Park Authority have advised Sheffield City Council to withdraw the current application and submit a full application instead. This is more work for the Council staff and should be submitted around Spring time. Peak Park want more details and information, which means more ecological studies and checks – therefore more time.

    Ok, so what about our trail then?


    Basically, it’s going to take time – but we’re confident that the planning permission will get through. Sheffield Council staff agree, which is great as it’s those guys doing the legwork here.

    In the meantime, we’re working on making sure that we work on the relationships with other users and stakeholders to make sure that we all understand the different points of view.

    The aim is for the new application to be submitted this Spring. We’ll then update you once there’s more news from PDNPA.

    As ever, any questions please feel free to discuss with us on info@ridesheffield.org.uk

  • Cut Gate works map

    Cut Gate works map

    After this site visit last month, Moors for the Future have produced a map outlining the work that begins later in October.

    This should help to clarify what work is planned and where. Click the picture to view full size.

    Plenty of drainage, subtle works and flags where required – exactly as promised!

    Do you like what we do here at Ride Sheffield? Here’s a few things you might like to do;
    – Support us via Rad Tax
    – Read our previous news stories
    – Browse our merchandise
    – Sign up to our newsletter

  • “Be Nice, tread light” – the first meeting of many?

    “Be Nice, tread light” – the first meeting of many?

    As outdoors folks, we can all be a little guilty of pack mentality, sticking within our own little groups. We thought it was time to look a little further afield, discuss things more openly and try to work together with some different people. We wanted to talk about the impact we all have on the Peak District and what we could do together to help minimise this.

    On Wednesday 9th October, we arranged an open meeting at the Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow. Spurred on by the success of Cut Gate as a collaborative project, we invited land managers, conservation workers and rangers to join a variety of outdoor user groups to discuss what we could possibly look to do together to improve our collective enjoyment of Sheffield and the Peak District.

    (more…)
  • Be Nice, Tread Light: Meeting 9th October

    Be Nice, Tread Light: Meeting 9th October

    “The Great Outdoors is for everyone.”

    “Walkers, horse riders, cyclists, however you get around,
    we all enjoy the beauty and serenity of our wild areas
    for the same reasons – stunning landscape, wonderful wildlife and fantastic flora. So Be Nice, Say Hi to everyone you meet!”

    If you have ever flipped over a Be Nice Say Hi beermat and perused the back of it while you were waiting for your mate to return from the bar, that is what you would have read. It sums up not only how we feel about it, but its supported by the Sheffield Ramblers and Hallam Horse riders (not to mention the Outdoor City and Peak District National Park)

    (more…)