In a bid to get you fit, ready and psyched for the UOS Big Walk 2026, I have prepared for you these two training walks for you to try before the big day. Walking these routes before the big day will familiarise you with key parts of the route, and it will give you the perfect opportunity to get together with some of the other challengers whilst maybe gaining a bit of fitness. I really hope that you enjoy them!
Each walk comes with an open source map, an OS map, a GPX file for you to download and a set of written instructions, which alone, should be enough for you to navigate by.
Rivelin Valley to Moscar Lodge, via the Loxley Valley and Bradfield
This is a linear route which is helped by the fact that the 257 bus can take you conveniently back to Sheffield. For people signing up for the long route this is a great opportunity to recce the first half of the route you will be covering on the day itself. For those of you signing up for the shorter route this is your chance to see the bit you’re missing, whilst getting in some big miles before the big day.
Start point – Rivelin Park Cafe, Rivelin Valley Rd, Sheffield S6 5F
Distance: 27.5Km / 17 miles
Ascent/climb: 574m
Estimated time: 5 – 7 hours
Eastern Edges from the Longshaw Estate – 18Km
I love a walk that gives me views! This super route keeps you high as you handrail the iconic edges that so keenly give this great National Park its unique gritstone identity. The route breaks out of the Longshaw Estate and quickly leads you along White Edge. If you’re in luck you may just see a deer. Chances are, if you see one, you’ll see loads!
White Edge, leads you to Blackstone Edge. Walk through or past the Highland Cattle grazing this land, docile and lovely. Just past Wellington’s monument, turn right, back along Baslow Edge, and on to Curbar Gap. (Walk up the road a tad here, and you might just get an ice-cream from the van in the car park). Back to the trail and now you’re onto Froggatt Edge. This is one of my favourite places to climb, but equally it’s a beautiful trail to walk along.
Onto the road, over it and onto a path, over a stream and up towards a car park. Through a gate in the wall and up towards the lovely Grouse Inn. You’re not far from finishing now – so why not stay for a swift half (or two). Finally up and along the road 100m or so, and through a big wide gate back into the Longshaw Estate headed for the cafe and car park.
Great walk, do it.
Start point: Longshaw Estate Car Park, Owler Bar Rd
Distance: 16.7Km
Height gain: 227m
Estimated time: 5 hours
