(S/E) The start and end point is the Malin Bridge tram stop (grid ref. SK328894). There is a certain amount of suburban walking in order to get up to the valley side but, even then, there are views across the valley to Stannington. There are several ways up to the "country" part of the walk (which starts after the old Bell Hagg pub - now converted into a house - at grid ref. SK307873). My choice was to gain height as soon as possible after setting off along Rivelin Valley Road. A short detour on the paths through Walkley Bank Wood takes you off the main road for a while before turning left on the path at the side of St Michael's cemetery.
(1) At the top take Waller Road, right onto Bole Hill Road, left onto Tinker Lane and right onto St Anthony Road. From here the views open out when you take the path at the end of the road and follow it past Crookes Quarry allotments on your left and on to Clough Fields Farm. Follow the road out to Back Lane, cross over and continue straight on through the Hagg Lane allotments and bear left up to Den Bank Lane.
(2) Cross Hagg Lane, then keep the houses on your left as you bend left to come out on the A57. There is a path that goes immediately off on the right, to the bottom of the old Bell Hagg pub which is worth taking to look at the new extension. Come back up on the path to your left and cross over the A57. Take the path to the right of Valleyside garden centre and ascend the side of the old quarry.
(3) When it starts to level out, don't take the Coppice Road track going downhill on your right, but keep left behind the houses on Burnt Stones Drive and Grove. For the next mile you keep to the path above the cliff and Black Brook Wood on your right.
(4) Cross Lodge Lane and continue on the path behind the houses on Redmires Road. The views into the valley are spectacular. Before Allen Sike Farm a path leads off right past the wood to a P&NFS sign. Take the path signed to Rivelin Dams through the Fox Hagg nature area.
(5) At the car park turn right onto the Rivelin dam wall road and then keep on to the A57 Manchester Road. Go straight across and take the footpath into Rivelin Rough - aptly named when the ferns are growing. The path is visible on the ground but the ferns can hide it. When it becomes a track alongside Wood Bank it is easier to follow and eventually it comes out on Woodbank Road.
(6) Just before Rails Road a dog-leg path cuts off the corner then you take Rails Road to the junction with Rivelin Valley Road then go on to the river. From here there are paths on the north of the river all the way to just before the Hind Wheel where it switches to the south side. Details of the wheels are at http://www.rivelinvalley.org.uk/valley.p... and they make this part of the walk historically fascinating. The path crosses the A57 again then comes out at Rivelin Valley playground and café. There are three places where you may have to go over stepping-stones - but it is also possible to avoid them if you are not keen on crossing.
(7) Stay on the north bank now, cross Hollis Lane and bear left when you see the Fire Station. You will come out on Stannington Road, passing the Mousehole Forge, and then turn right down to Malin Bridge and the tram stop again(S/E).
