
Ecclesall Woods Circular
South Yorkshire
Ecclesall Woods is the largest ancient semi-natural woodland in South Yorkshire where dogs can run off lead, shared with mountain bikers and runners, a Sheffield City Council estate on the edge of the city between Ecclesall and Dore. For over 200 years it was managed as coppice with standards, and the ground still holds Q-pits, the remains of charcoal hearths that once fuelled Sheffield's iron and cutlery trades. Limb Brook, which crosses the woods, marked the border between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Northumbria and Mercia in the Dark Ages and later divided Yorkshire from Derbyshire until the 1930s. This 3.1km loop from the Woodland Discovery Centre follows purpose built, wide woodland paths through oak, birch and beech, with tree roots, some stone edging, a few flights of steps and around 40 metres of gentle climbing.
This is a hugely popular dog friendly walk, and a dog that is friendly and has good recall can be off lead for the whole route, since there is no livestock and the paths are wide enough to share comfortably. Expect plenty of company: the woods draw walkers, runners and mountain bikers, so a dog that is nervous around bikes may prefer a quieter time of day. There is rich scent among the old coppice stools and leaf litter, and Limb Brook gives a spot for a paddle. Only one dog waste bin is provided, at the entrance gate, so carry bags for the whole walk. The Discovery Centre has toilets and the Woodland Coffee Stop, with parking on site and on nearby streets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.1 km (1.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 55 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets and the Woodland Coffee Stop cafe at the Woodland Discovery Centre; only one dog waste bin, at the gate.
- Parking
- Car park at the Woodland Discovery Centre on Abbey Lane, plus ample on-street parking nearby.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Ecclesall Woods Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ecclesall Woods Circular dog friendly?
Ecclesall Woods rates 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better options in South Yorkshire. The wide woodland paths give dogs and their owners plenty of room, and with no livestock on the route, it's a relaxed place to bring your dog. Facilities at the Woodland Discovery Centre include toilets and the Woodland Coffee Stop café, so you can make a proper outing of it.
Can dogs be off lead at Ecclesall Woods Circular?
Yes — dogs with good recall can be off lead for the entire 3.1km loop, as there is no livestock and the paths are wide enough to share comfortably with other users. There's plenty to keep dogs engaged too, from rich scent among old coppice stools and leaf litter to a paddle in Limb Brook. Do be aware that the woods are popular with mountain bikers and runners, so if your dog is nervous around bikes it may be worth visiting at a quieter time of day.
What should I know before visiting Ecclesall Woods Circular with my dog?
The woods are well used by walkers, runners and mountain bikers, so expect company, especially at weekends. There is only one dog waste bin, located at the entrance gate, so carry plenty of bags for the whole walk. Parking is available at the Woodland Discovery Centre on Abbey Lane, with on-street parking nearby if the car park is full.
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