[1] From the entrance to First Start head towards the road and turn right past the old milestone to view the Map Rock (A) of Firth Park and Wincobank. Turn right just beyond this towards the café and bear left with the wide main path. Pass through the hedge and continue on the high path to a circular mosaic (B) between seats. Also look into the wood for two tree sculptures of a squirrel and an owl. Head down across the grass to the solitary oak tree, beside which is a small stone plinth minus its plaque.
This tree was planted during the opening ceremony of Sheffield’s first public park on August 16th, 1875 by the future King Edward VII when he was still Prince of Wales. The land was donated to the city by industrialist Mark Firth.
[2] Turn right then left and cross the road to visit the new installation, built in 2011.
Look to your right just beyond the pond at the Giants Foot (C), which recalls memories of when the Ripples in the Pond project was an ornamental lake. The clock tower housed a tea room and the park keeper’s house and like the library next door is a grade II listed building.
Turn left at the Clock Tower back up past the pond and climb the steps into Hinde Common Wood. Turn left along the tarmac path then right after 40 yards up more steps. Leave the wood at the A-frame and cross Hinde House Lane to the barrier opposite. Follow the path right, pass between boulders and turn left at the junction onto Wincobank Common. Bear left at the fork and note the Giants Foot (D) at the exit barrier. Go straight on along Bluebell Road to Wincobank Avenue.
On the green opposite the newsagents are a cluster of seven Enchanted Chairs (E), each uniquely crafted. Also note the Smelly Wellies (F) outside the door of the chapel.
[3] Turn left out of the chapel and retrace your steps along Bluebell Road. Upon re-entering the common you are faced with a good view over the city. Branch left, and as you enter Wincobank Wood turn left up the cobbled path.
It is worth a short diversion right and then left to follow the rampart of the Iron Age hillfort to the open viewpoint and gaze out over the Don Valley before returning along the ridge path.
Continue along the cobbled track, built during the Second World War to service anti-aircraft guns and a searchlight. Keppel’s Column is prominent with Rotherham over to your right. At the junction with Jenkin Road you will find Posh Pillar and her Daughters (G). Two poems by Ebenezer Elliot adorn the granite farm rollers and one by 9 year old Bryn Wainwright is etched into the main column.
[4] Turn right and cross with care just beyond the summit to the footpath sign opposite. After 20 yards bear right downhill and curve left below the clump of trees to the Star-Crossed Queen (H). Cartimandua ruled the Brigante tribe at the time the hillfort was built. Navigate by Cassiopeia and head through the gap. Continue over rough grass to the escarpment edge and turn right. As Tinsley Viaduct comes into view, descend to the houses and turn left alongside the wooden fence to the road. Turn first right along Vauxhall Road. Halfway down you pass an area of waste ground sown with a stunning array of summer wild flowers.
[5] Before reaching the road at the bottom, turn left through Brendan Ingle’s Glove Garden (I), a community orchard containing boxing glove seats and some fatherly advice from the renowned trainer. Turn left up Newman Road and right through the gate of St Thomas church. Continue along the walkway and cross the road into Merton Road, passing the Graham building. Turn right down the hill to a crossing point and then cross Standon Road into Dara Street, which becomes a walkway leading to Ecclesfield Road. Enter the car park and pass the next Giants Foot (J). Ascend beside the BMX track and enter Woolley Wood. Turn right just before the interpretative panel to reach the rune-carved Lost Gateway (K). Continue beneath an overhanging tree trunk and bear left to some low wooden barriers. Turn left then immediately right past a seat. The path ascends gently to the golf course.
[6] Cross the path by the tee and continue to climb on the Trans Pennine Trail. Pass through the gap at the signpost and turn left alongside the hedge. Continue alongside the bank on your left and bear right away from this at the Y-junction to reach Oaks Fold Cruck Barn (L). Built in the early 17th Century, it was altered in the 19th Century and restored in the 20th. It is grade II listed and though it doesn’t look much from the outside, inside it is a superb example of this type of construction.
Leave the park temporarily through the A-frame and turn left after 50 yards into the Ranger HQ car park for a close look at the Wolf Sculpture (M). Carved by Jason Thomson in 1999, and also adorned with leaves, bluebells, a sheep’s head and a sandal, it represents the history of Woolley Wood.
Exit through the gates, pass through the A-frame and bear right to join the tarmac path.
The splendid wrought iron gates (N) were erected in 1932, having been acquired from Hayes Park in Kent, the home of Britain’s second Prime Minister, William Pitt. Admiral Lord Nelson and many other dignitaries of the time would have passed through these gates in horse drawn carriages. The money was donated by Charles Boot, who started the building company which bears his name.
Stay inside the park and continue to the playground, where branch right towards the leisure centre. Pass through either A-frame and ass to the right of the building to the exit.
Concord Park is a good alternative start with parking at the Sports Centre and frequent bus services (35, 37, 47, 48).
[7] Cross the road by the bus stop and enter the old Steel City Community Club. Turn right beyond the bowling green, cross Bellhouse Road and enter the playing fields at the kissing gate. Keep straight on across the grass to the railings and bear right. Pass through the gap in the fence where the path swings right and descend to Sicey Avenue, where you will see the cheery Sun Apple (O). Turn left and descend into Firth Park Centre. Outside the library are a Giants Hand and the Pavement Plate (P), which bears a recipe for beetroot hummus (yuk!).