Sheffield University to the Northern General Hospital

The Flat(ish) Route:

From the central campus cross Upper Hanover Way at the truncated crossing (you should walk over this crossing) and follow Leavgreave, Portobello,Trippett Lane, Pinfold St straight down to the city centre. Turn left through the bike gate onto Townhead St, and immediately right on to Campo Lane, at the end left onto Meetinghouse Lane, r onto Bank St.

Hilly Route

Go straight across at traffic lights onto Castle St, left on Waingate (Markets) to Wicker (Note: The Wicker used to be heavily congested but traffic is now restricted. You may however find that there are drivers using the bus lanes. Take extra care here.) At Wicker Arches, go left up Spital Hill, and keep going. Follow for approx. 4 miles via Burngreave Rd & Barnsley Rd to Owler Lane where you will see the pedestrian entrance to the NGH. This route is the most direct but is hilly and congested, with pedestrian refuges in the middle of the road where conflicts with motorists are likely. The best way to deal with these is ‘take the lane’ and stay in the middle to make it impossible for motorists to try to squeeze past you.

There is an alternative hilly route via Ellesmere Rd & Ellesmere Rd North (turn right at the bus gate at the top of Spital Hill) but does require the use of a footpath in the middle.

Lower Don Valley on-road:

Go straight across at traffic lights onto Castle St, left on Waingate (Markets) to Wicker At Wicker Arches, go left up Spital Hill, then right with care onto Carlisle St. Follow for approx. 4 miles to Fir Vale, then left onto A6102 (Upwell St) for approx 1 mile.

Lower Don Valley off-road:

The Five Weirs Walk (5WW) offers an off-road cycle route through the Lower Don Valley. It’s slightly slower than keeping to the road.WARNING: You may experience feelings of guilt if you use this route to cycle to work. Commuting isn’t supposed to be this pleasant, is it?

Go straight across at traffic lights onto Castle St, left on Waingate (Markets) to Lady’s Bridge. Mount the pavement on the right to get to Blonk St – 5WW access is directly opposite, although may be closed due to current building work, in which case carry on to l. Furnival Rd, and pick up the Shared Use pavement at Sussex St just past the Wicker Arches.

The 5WW takes you across the spectacular Cobweb Bridge (Currently closed due to vandalism) then along the pavement on Effingham Rd, left onto the Bailey Bridge, and across Leveson St (use the pavement) to Warren St. The access to the next section of the Five Weirs Walk is about 50 yds along on the right. Some of this section is hazardous due to flood damage. The next section, between Attercliffe Rd and East Coast road, is currently closed due to flood damage. Follow the trail until a point mid-way between Newhall St and Hawke St, where there is a left turn signed as a cycle route. Follow this to Fell St, and turn right onto Brightside Lane.

Combined route

Turn l. at Upwell St, follow to Owler Lane, Rushby St & Owler Lane again. You will see the pedestrian entrance to NGH at the opposite side, or turn right onto Barnsley Rd for road access about 50 yds along on the left.

If you are travelling to Samuel Fox House, the cycle stands are to the right of the entrance. There is a shower inside the building.

Mix’n'Match

There is a frequently a strong wind blowing from the West down the Don Valley, which you can use to your advantage by following our on-road on the way there, but taking to the 5WW on the way back, which is more sheltered and follows the twisting route of the river giving some respite from the headwind.

Comments

A former regular commuter from Ecclesall writes:(21/12/08)

My traditional route, which has now got a bit easier, is:

Psalter Lane – Cemetery Rd.- Sunny Bank – Broomspring La.- Barker’s Pool – Leopold St -Townhead St.- West Bar- Corporation St.- Pitsmoor Rd. (v.steep for first 50m but then easy) – Barnsley Rd. – Norwood Rd. and finally crossing Herries Rd. (I worked in the upper part of the NGH site.)

My return route was via Pitsmoor Rd. – Mowbray St. – Ball St. – Green Lane and Shalesmoor so regaining the West Bar Roundabout. This week I returned via Pitsmoor Rd.- Nursery St. with its offside cycle lane – the new foot/cycle bridge across the Don – the promenade by the new tower blocks – Snig Hill – Bank St. – Campo Lane and Leopold St.

Other variants are from Devonshire Green via Mappin St & Portobello reaching Townhead St. via Trippet La.; Cemetery Rd. – Boston St – Eyre Way – Pinstone St. – Leopold St.etc. and Eyre Way – Arundel Gate – Snig Hill may be worth re-exploring.