The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Rother Valley Lake
4.5
(677)
6,041
hikers
258
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Rother Valley Lake are set within a 750-acre regenerated landscape featuring four artificial lakes. The terrain is characterized by open parkland, tranquil waterside paths, and gentle hills, making it accessible for various activity levels. This area, transformed from a former opencast coal mine, offers a mix of environments including wooded sections and extensive nature reserves.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Rother Valley Lake
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Sheffield Country Walk:…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.6
(5)
19
hikers
6.45km
01:38
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
42
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
17
hikers
4.11km
01:03
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
2.28km
00:35
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Great in the summer not for a swim though, loads of activities to do
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It’s okay to cross during the day but it’s badly lighted
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There are a number of lakes in the Rother Valley Country Park. This is one of the smaller lakes on the northern side of the park and it is connected to the others via well-maintained paths, making it easy to explore the area on foot.
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Opened in 1892 by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, Killamarsh Central had two platforms, each with a timber building and a large canopy. The station closed to the public in 1963 when local services on the Great Central were discontinued. The platforms and sidings remained in use for goods traffic until 1965.
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When the park was transformed from an opencast mining site, 4 main Lakes were created with water from the Moss Brook (fresh water stream). It is estimated that 2 Million Gallons of water per day for 30 days filled the lakes. Nethermoor Lake is at least 20m deep in some parts.
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The Meadowgate Lake Reserve is the prime location for seeing the greatest variety of species and generally the biggest numbers of birds. Winter wildfowl totals can be impressive with regular counts of over 200 Wigeon and Teal and slightly smaller numbers of Mallard, Tufted Duck and Pochard. Gadwall, Goldeneye and Goosander are usually present in significant numbers, though sadly Ruddy Duck no longer features as a common sight here. Scarce and rare wildfowl are more likely to be encountered in the reserve than elsewhere in the park with Pintail, Garganey, Mandarin, Scaup, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew, Long-tailed Duck, Eider and Green-winged Teal recorded in recent years and the area's first American Wigeon arriving in 2008. More obvious are the resident squadrons of Canada and Greylag Geese; more welcome are the regular skeins of Pink-footed Geese that fly over the park between October and February.
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Situated to the eastern side of Bedgrave Mill courtyard, behind one of the buildings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Rother Valley Lake?
There are over 100 easy, family-friendly hiking routes around Rother Valley Lake, with a total of more than 250 trails of varying difficulty. This ensures plenty of options for families looking to explore the area.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Rother Valley Country Park?
Family hikes in Rother Valley Country Park feature a mix of open parkland, tranquil waterside paths, and gentle hills. The terrain is generally accessible, making it suitable for various activity levels and ensuring a pleasant experience for families with children.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families around Rother Valley Lake?
Yes, many of the trails are circular, perfect for a family day out. For example, the Sheffield Country Walk: Rother Valley Park Loop offers a scenic 6.5 km circular path around the main lake, providing expansive views and a great way to experience the park.
Can we spot any wildlife while hiking with kids in Rother Valley Country Park?
Absolutely! Rother Valley Country Park is home to an extensive nature reserve with over 260 recorded bird species. Keep an eye out for birds like Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Robin, and Long-tailed Tit. The grasslands also teem with insects, butterflies, and small mammals, offering exciting opportunities for wildlife observation during your family hike.
Are there any places to stop for refreshments or a break during our family hike?
Yes, at the eastern side of one of the lakes, you'll find the Bedgrave Mill courtyard. Here, you can visit a visitor centre, a craft centre, and 'The Stables' cafe, which is a perfect spot for refreshments and a break. You can even see an exhibition of the original mill mechanism.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Rother Valley Lake?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Rother Valley Lake, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful lakeside scenery, and the park's accessibility for families and children.
Are there any shorter, easy loops for families with very young children?
Certainly. For a shorter, easy stroll, consider the Wishing Well at Bedgrave Mill – Rother Valley Country Park loop from Killamarsh, which is just under 3 km. It's a gentle option perfect for families with toddlers or those looking for a quick walk.
What are some of the natural features we can expect to see on a family hike?
You'll encounter picturesque artificial lakes, open green spaces, and some wooded sections. The park's history as a regenerated former opencast coal mine means you'll be walking through a thriving natural area that showcases successful ecological transformation.
Is Rother Valley Country Park suitable for pushchairs or strollers?
Many of the paths in Rother Valley Country Park are wide and well-surfaced, making them suitable for pushchairs and strollers. The generally minimal elevation changes also contribute to an easy experience for families with young children in prams.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the family trails?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore the Bedgrave Mill courtyard for a historical stop. The park also features an interesting sculpture trail, adding an artistic element to your family walk and providing engaging points of interest for children.
What is the best time of year to visit Rother Valley Lake for family hiking?
Rother Valley Lake is enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer are particularly pleasant for family hikes, with warmer weather and abundant wildlife. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter can provide crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy.
Most popular routes around Rother Valley Lake
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