Sprotbrough Flash and Don Gorge Nature Reserve Walk
South Yorkshire
Sprotbrough Flash sits half a mile south of Sprotbrough village, a lead-only reserve for dogs, where the River Don has cut the Don Gorge through magnesian limestone laid down around 280 million years ago and later carved by meltwater at the end of the ice age. The Flash itself, the lake at the heart of this Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve, formed in the early 20th century from mining subsidence and was adapted by the Environment Agency in the 1990s for flood storage. This walk combines the level towpath section of the Trans Pennine Trail along the River Don with a rougher woodland trail looping back through the reserve, taking in a viewing screen and two bird hides. Limestone grassland here supports spotted orchid, pyramidal orchid and cowslip, best seen between March and July.
This dog friendly reserve keeps dogs on a lead throughout, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust rule that protects the ground nesting and wintering birds the Flash is known for, so there are no off-lead sections. Sheep sometimes graze parts of the reserve, so a lead also keeps dogs clear of livestock. The towpath by the river gives easy, level walking for a dog, while the woodland trail is rougher and unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, though still an easy dog walk. There is water in the Flash and the River Don, but dogs should be kept out to protect the wildlife rather than allowed to swim. There are no toilets or cafe on site, and parking is free on Nursery Lane, a short walk from the entrance.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.0 km (1.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None on site; no toilets or cafe.
- Parking
- Free parking on Nursery Lane, Sprotbrough, a short walk from the reserve entrance.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Sprotbrough Flash and Don Gorge Nature Reserve Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Green Farm Holiday Cottages - The Pig Sty
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £523 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sprotbrough Flash and Don Gorge Nature Reserve Walk dog friendly?
Sprotbrough Flash and Don Gorge Nature Reserve Walk is dog friendly, though it comes with some important conditions that are worth knowing about before you go. It's a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve where dogs are welcome throughout, covering both the level towpath along the River Don and the rougher woodland trail that loops back through the reserve. It scores 6 out of 10 for dog friendliness, largely because leads are required at all times and dogs should be kept out of the water.
Can dogs be off lead at Sprotbrough Flash and Don Gorge Nature Reserve Walk?
Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the entire reserve — there are no off-lead sections here at all. This is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust rule in place to protect the ground-nesting and wintering birds the Flash is known for, and also because sheep sometimes graze parts of the reserve. While it may not suit dogs that need a good run off lead, the riverside towpath and woodland trail still make for an enjoyable and easy walk on the lead.
What should I know before visiting Sprotbrough Flash and Don Gorge Nature Reserve Walk with my dog?
Leads are compulsory throughout the reserve, so make sure you're prepared for a fully on-lead walk. There are no toilets or café on site, so it's worth coming prepared with water for both you and your dog — and although there is water in the Flash and the River Don, dogs should be kept out to protect the wildlife. Parking is free on Nursery Lane, just a short walk from the entrance, and the towpath section is level and easy underfoot, though the woodland trail is rougher going.
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