Running between the villages of Woodhouse and Hackenthorpe, Shire Brook is referred to as “the forgotten valley”. The area was once a hive of mining and industrial activity, with evidence of waterwheels dating back to Tudor times. Now, it’s a tranquil nature reserve, containing woodland, heathland and marshland.

Both routes begin on the Trans Pennine Trail, before descending towards the brook.

The green route follows the brook and climbs back up past the visitor centre – if it’s open, call in to find out more about the area’s history. The blue route descends down towards the A57. It then climbs to a great viewpoint, before descending steeply to rejoin the Trans Pennine Trail.