Walks in Balby
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Balby on foot.
Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Walk
This is a glorious walk amongst nature. Potteric Carr Nature Reserve is a beautiful area of wetland, just near Doncaster, with woodland and wildlife that is a joy to explore. Discover the marvel of nature on this 4-mile trail around the nature reserve. The Route what3words for start point: ///cropping.flesh.pulp Start Point: Potteric Carr Visitor Centre, Mallard Way, Doncaster DN4 8DB Finish Point: Potteric Carr Visitor Centre, Mallard Way, Doncaster DN4 8DB Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map pottericcarrDownload The nature reserve is an oasis of nature that is nestled between a busy main road and a railway line, not too far from inner Doncaster. You will forget about all of the industry in the surroundings once you are in and exploring. There is a small fee to enter the reserve. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will give you a great briefing to help you on your way along the trail. This walk covers a 4-mile figure of eight around much of the reserve, taking in the marshes and through the meadows and woodland. There are, of course, shorter routes as well for those with little ones or those that maybe do not have as long to explore. You can get a route map at the entry kiosk which explains the differing routes and what to expect. On the routes, there are plenty of colour-coordinated signs to keep you on track. From the kiosk, follow the red route off to the right and wandered through the glorious woodland before coming across the first of many great hides, where you can watch the birds and nature on the water. The path then passes through tall grass meadows, full of colour, before heading out for a full circuit of one of the larger marshes. There are more hides dotted all along that are great for bird spotters and nature lovers alike. Along the paths, you are surrounded by dragonflies and the dazzling blue damselflies going about their business in great number. It is so peaceful all the way around. You would not believe how close to the city you are, nor how close to a main road. It is a fabulous walk for all standards and ages.
Walk: Sprotbrough Falls
A stunning walk to see a hidden gem of South Yorkshire, Sprotbrough Falls, just outside of Doncaster. The Route what3words for start point: ///octopus.caravan.gilding Start Point: Sprotbrough Bridge, Mill Ln / Boat Lane, Doncaster DN5 7SE Finish Point: Sprotbrough Bridge Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map sprotbrough-fallsDownload Walk Description Embark on a walk that is as much an exploration of history as it is a communion with nature. Your journey will take you along a fascinating stretch of the Trans Pennine Trail, a coast-to-coast path that links the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Far from being a monolithic landscape, the area you'll traverse is a harmonious blend of industrial heritage and rich biodiversity. As you walk, you'll encounter ingeniously designed locks and weirs—testaments to human engineering that have shaped local waterways for commerce and navigation. While the industrial aspects of the trail might capture your attention initially, it's the sheer diversity of wildlife that will keep you entranced. As you make your way, the scenery unfolds to reveal lush marshlands, expansive water bodies, and dense woodland areas. Each natural setting is a habitat, inviting you to be an observer of life in various forms. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Bittern, a bird renowned for its masterful camouflage among reeds and waterside vegetation. Listen for the unique calls of the Great Crested Grebe, a fascinating bird with striking plumage and an elaborate mating dance. And let the rhythmic drumming of Green Woodpeckers serve as a natural soundtrack to your trek. These avian residents add a dash of color and symphony to the already arresting panorama. Your destination is the nature reserve at Sprotbrough Flash, a local gem that has earned its reputation as a haven for both indigenous and migratory species. The term "Flash" in its name refers to a wide, slow-moving section of a river, often created by subsidence due to coal mining activities. In this particular case, the Flash has become a flourishing wetland. Upon arrival, take some time to soak in the tranquility and marvel at how the area has been reclaimed by nature. The spot is particularly popular among birdwatchers, photographers, and those looking to escape the buzz of daily life. One of the remarkable things about this walking route is its multi-faceted appeal. Here, engineering coexists with ecology; human history intersects with natural evolution. It's a setting where you can learn as much from the meticulously crafted locks as you can from the intricate nests of the Great Crested Grebe. Both are marvels in their own right, and they cohabit in a delicate balance that makes this stretch of the Trans Pennine Trail an unforgettable experience. So whether you're an amateur naturalist, a history aficionado, or a casual walker seeking fresh air and peaceful moments, this journey towards Sprotbrough Flash has something for everyone. You'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for how diverse yet interconnected the world can truly be—all within the scope of a single, fascinating stroll.
Walk: Doncaster River Walk
A 6 mile stroll following the peaceful River Don from Central Doncaster to Conisborough. Don't worry you can get the train home if you have tired legs. The Route what3words for start point: ///civil.wake.stop Start Point: Doncaster Finish Point: Conisborough Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map doncaster-river-walkDownload Walk Description Follow the river Don through some beautiful South Yorkshire scenery with a variety of wildlife at Sprotborough Flash Nature reserve as well as time to rest up near the popular Sprotborough Falls. These are created by the weir on the river but are just as impressive as the ones created by mother nature. Don't forget to watch out for the impressive Conisborough Viaduct which was completed in 1909 and is a marvel of engineering.
Walk: Trans Pennine Trail
The Trans Pennine Trail is a long-distance path running from Southport on the West coast to Hornsea on the East Coast, across Northern England entirely on surfaced paths and using only gentle gradients. The Route Start Point: Southport Finish Point: Hornsea Distance: 208 Miles GPX Route Map transpenninetrailDownload Walk Description The main west–east trail starts at Southport, then heads south through the suburbs of Liverpool, through Widnes, Warrington, Manchester, Stockport and Hadfield. It then crosses the Peak District, heading up the Longdendale valley via the Longdendale Trail to Woodhead, then down through Dunford Bridge and Penistone, Doncaster, Selby, Hessle, Hull and Hornsea. This route covers 207 miles (333.1 km). Between Southport and Selby it is National Cycle Network, Route 62 and from Selby to Hornsea, NCN Route 65.
Walk: Sprotbrough Lock
A short stroll at Sprotbrough Lock, one of the most beautiful spots on the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation, just on the outskirts of Doncaster. Sprotbrough Lock The Route what3words for start point: ///pardon.fingertip.outermost Start Point: The Boat Inn, Sprotbrough DN5 7NB Finish Point: The Boat Inn, Sprotbrough DN5 7NB Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map sprotbroughlockDownload Walk Description Spotbrough Lock is a peaceful site on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation, surrounded by woodlands and a nature reserve. Start the walk at The Boat Inn, a 17th century pub, and head up the canal towards Sprotbrough Lock. You will pass Snow Wood and cross the canal before eventually reaching the Old Pump House. Look out for any wildlife popping up in the woodland. Once you reach the Old Pump House retrace your steps towards the Boat Inn. Pass the Boat Inn and carry on walking downstream towards Sprotbrough Flash. Sprotbrough Flash, a site of special scientific interest, is a wildlife heaven so the perfect place to see nature at anytime of year. Take your binoculars and detour to one of the bird hides in the reserve before returning back to the Boat Inn.