We are The Outdoor City
1/3 of Sheffield lies within the Peak District National Park. We are the spiritual home of climbing in the UK, with unrivalled downhill mountain biking and infamous road cycling.
But it's not all about adrenaline fuelled activities. We are also a city to spend time in, where the rivers and hills connect culture and communities, ultimately making Sheffield one of the most liveable places you'll find, and one of the reasons we were ranked the Greenest City in the UK by a NatWest survey.
Get Outdoors in Sheffield
Mountain Biking
Best combined with a pub or two
Whether you want some gnarly trails or scenic views, we've got you covered.
Walking
From inner to outer city, it's all achievable on foot
From fascinating urban strolls to unexpected routes from city parks into the Peak District itself, the opportunities to explore Sheffield on foot are vast. Our annual Walking Festival is a great showcase for the variety of walking available.
Climbing
A whistle-stop tour of some of our famous crags and gritty boulders.
If the weather is bad we have some of the best indoor facilities in the country. But if it's good, you're in for a treat on the gritstone close to the city as well as the limestone in nearby areas of the Peak District. There's a reason Team GB Climbing base themselves here you know.
Road cycling
Explore on two wheels
Some of the most fabulous hill climbs, scenery and city to country cycling you'll find in the whole nation.
Running
Lace up and get out there
What better way to see a city? In ours you can run through industrial heritage into a national park without breaking a sweat.
The Outdoor City + water = fun
We're a hub for all kinds of adventures
Walking, running, climbing, biking, wild swimming, caving, kayaking, orienteering... the list goes on. And if you can't find what you need within the city boundary then fear not, as it won't be far away.
Urban greenery
The numbers say it all
1/3 of Sheffield is in the Peak District
The infamous Kinder Scout Trespass in 1932 led to the creation of the UK's first National Park. And luckily for us, one whole third of our city lies within the Peak District.
Want someone to show you the ropes?
There are loads of great activity providers in the city who can take you out, rent you gear, and generally mean you get to experience the best of what's on offer without needing to worry about where to go or what to bring.
"If only there was a pub on this walk"
Luckily we are also one of Europe's brewing capitals
Festivals
What's a Greenground map?
City walks
We've got lots of suggestion for walks in Sheffield for you to explore here, but these are two of the best with plenty of fascinating things to see along the way.
Sheffield Round Walk
A 15-mile loop from the urban to the rural at the southwestern edges of the city – taking in leafy parkland, woodland streams, and pretty suburbs. You can split the route into more manageable sections or tackle the whole thing in one go for a challenge.
Norfolk Heritage Trail
A walk through centuries of Sheffield history – from the middle ages to the modern, via the Tudors, Victorians and two world wars. The trail takes its name from the Dukes of Norfolk, who previously owned much of the land it covers, having inherited it from the Earls of Shrewsbury.
"Walking always lifts my spirits"
Julia Bradbury guides you round some of her favourite Sheffield walks, covering the hills and the peaks right down to the canals and industrial heritage of the city.
See
Videos of the walks
Outdoor Cityzens: looking after our world
Whether you live here or are visiting - biodiversity, the climate and nature crises, and health and wellbeing are important aspects of life to consider.
We want to help everyone make Sheffield more sustainable, eco-conscious and biodiverse.
Find out more