Rambling group hoping to lead marathon walk's comeback

The booklet will be launched on Friday, July 27, in Wentworth with Lord David Blunkett doing the honours.

Rotherham Metro Ramblers has worked in conjunction with Rotherham Borough Council to revive the 50-mile Rotherham Ring Route around the boundary of the borough.

The Ring Route is a walk of contrasts and covers the old steel industry in the west, rolling farmland in the south east, former mining areas in the north east and the Wentworth Estate in the north west.

Lord Blunkett, in his capacity as president of the South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire Area of the Ramblers, will launch the booklet and will be walking along part of the route.

The launch will take place at 10.30am on the cul-de-sac between the Trinity and Old Trinity churches in Wentworth village.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Alan Buckley and Mrs Sandra Buckley, will also attend the launch event.

The launch will include a walk of 3.7 miles from Wentworth to Keppel’s Column which is part of the Ring Route.

Free transport has been arranged back from Keppel’s Column to Wentworth.

A Metro spokesman said: “In taking on this task, we have had a great opportunity to showcase this fabulous area around Rotherham so close to where we live.” 

Kevin Burke, countryside manager for Rotherham Council, welcomed the new booklet.

He said: “This series of short and circular walks around our town boundary will highlight the variety of countryside and historical interest we have on our doorstep.

“The Rotherham Metro Ramblers are to be congratulated for all their efforts in publishing these walks into what is a quality booklet.

“I certainly look forward to walking some of them.” 

The new Rotherham Ring Route booklet is now on sale, price £2, at the Tourist Information Centre on High Street in Rotherham.

More information is available at www.ramblers.org.uk/rotherham-metro.

Anyone wishing to attend the launch day should park at the rear of the garden centre car park.