As part of Sheffield’s Walking Festival, which returns to the Outdoor City this September, walkers will have the opportunity to learn about one of Sheffield’s most influential environmentalists. Ethel Haythornthwaite founded a society called the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery, one hundred years ago. This went on to become the local branch of CPRE.
Since its formation, the charity has played a pivotal role in conservation efforts aimed at protecting the landscapes and green spaces which surrounded Sheffield including the Green Belt and the Peak District National Park. Join CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire in September for: Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with a Digital subscription to Yorkshire Post, you can get access to all of our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Each walk will be led by CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire’s CEO Tomo Thompson.
People can learn about Ethel’s campaigning which saved much of the Peak District from inappropriate development as well as her work to purchase land and gift it to the people of Sheffield so that it could be accessible for future generations to enjoy. People can also explore some of the highest hilltops in the Peak District National Park – aptly named ‘The Ethels’ in tribute to the charity’s founder. The Ethel Haythornthwaite Walk CPRE PDSY CEO Tomo Thompson will lead walkers on a historical adventure, through the UK’s Outdoor City.
You’ll start at Endcliffe Student Village, home to the blue heritage plaque for the charity’s pioneering founder and the place where Ethel Haythornthwaite was born. From here you’ll meander through the leafy park of Endcliffe, followed by Bingham Park, gradually making your way out of the city towards the Peak District. As you reach Forge Dam, you’ll turn off towards Ringinglow and down through the Green Belt into the Limb Valley.
You’ll visit Haythornthwaite Wood, near the village of Dore, which is a small woodland dedicated to Ethel and Gerald Haythornthwaite. Along the way, charity staff will share stories about Ethel’s work and the impact the charity has made over the last 100 years. Walk essentials: Advertisement Advertisement The Peak District Boundary Walk What makes this walk truly special is its historical significance.
The 16km route closely follows the original national park boundary proposal made by CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire’s founder, Ethel Haythornthwaite and her husband. Led by Tomo Thompson, walkers will embark on an invigorating walk through the rolling countryside and moorland tracks which surround the Outdoor City. Even though the city centre of Sheffield isn’t far away, people will enjoy scenic views at Wyming Brook, Redmires Reservoirs and Ringinglow.
Walk essentials: The Four Ethels from Hathersage Walk Starting in Hathersage, you’ll join Tomo Thompson to traverse some of the Peak District’s highest hilltops, in search of the renowned ‘Ethels’ (Peak District hilltops over 400m above sea level). With a total of 95 Ethels waiting to be discovered, this walk will enable you to check off four of the Ethels, including High Neb, Stanedge Pole, White Path Moss and Higger Tor. Walk essentials: 100 Years of Countryside Protection As a widow who has lost her husband in the war, Ethel Haythornthwaite found solace in taking refreshing strolls through the countryside and moorland near Sheffield, as recommended by her family.
During these walks, she discovered the profound positive impact nature had on her physical and mental health. This, in part, illuminated Ethel’s passion and commitment to protect the countryside and fundamental to this, was that the countryside could be accessed by everyone, in order to experience those benefits. Throughout her life, she remained committed to the cause, leaving behind a remarkable legacy which walkers will learn more about during the Sheffield Walking Festival.
CPRE PDSY CEO Tomo Thompson, tells us more “As we celebrate our Centenary, we invite you to follow in the footsteps of the remarkable Ethel Haythornthwaite: the trailblazing environmentalist and pioneer of the countryside movement. Through her environmental campaigning, Ethel protected green spaces from inappropriate development including much-loved areas which surround the Outdoor City such as the Longshaw Estate and Blacka Moor. It seems a fitting tribute to partner with the Sheffield Walking Festival to host a series of free guided walks so that people can learn more about her incredible legacy and the impact she had on many of the landscapes we enjoy today.
” Advertisement Advertisement Key achievements in the CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire’s history include the development of a Green Belt around Sheffield - England’s first. In addition to this, the charity was also instrumental in the designation of Britain’s first national park - the Peak District. CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire continues to uphold the values which Ethel championed, ensuring that the countryside is accessible to all and enjoyed by everyone.
Ethel’s belief in the countryside as a sanctuary for all, a place of peace and beauty to be cherished and safeguarded, remains a guiding principle the charity’s work..
