Today's walk is a moderate walk of approximately 11.5 miles, starting from Worsbrough Mill. We begin by crossing the dam which looks impressive due to the amount of rain we have experienced in recent weeks.
The first part of the walk is along good paths along the Trans Pennine Trail, eventually crossing the bridge over the M1 motorway as we head towards Stainborough and make our way across the 'Green' into open countryside. Despite being close to Barnsley the walk is very varied, 
passing through woods, fields and alongside babbling brooks. At the time of the recce there were some lovely views to take in. Surprisingly, there are no obvious places to stop for coffee and lunch so we will take them when the group/time dictates.
There are a number of stiles on the walk and in places it is muddy, which shouldn't come as any surprise. Walking poles are recommended.
Although there is no pub on the route, we're reliably informed that there is a pub, the Ship, at the end of the walk.
Hopefully the café at Worsbrough Mill will also still be open when we return.
'B' Walk - Leader- Barry Osborne Distance - 8.5 miles. Ascent - 850 ft. Grade - mod. Clockwise.
The Mill
The oldest part of the current mill dates from 1625 . However, 
the first mill was recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086 . The oldest part of the mill today, which houses the water wheel , which as previously stated dates from 1625. The house was built in the 18th century - before that, the miller and family would live in the mill itself.
The mill was restored in 1972 and has been operating since then, as a museum and also producing flour. It is now owned by Barnsley Borough Council .
The area around the mill is in everyday use for various activities of which fishing is a popular activity along with walking on the many tracks throughout the area. The popular Miller's Tea Room is situated next to the mill and is open daily.
The Walk
We start our walk from Worsbrough Mill car park and from here it’s a short step across a field to the A61 road. After crossing the road carefully we climb though a wood , across a field past Worsbrough Hall . From here it’s a short step down Quarry Hill and back across the A62 and down through Birdwell Wood .We then pass under the M1 motorway .
From here we pass Rockley Abbey Farm and Rockley Abbey Dike 
past a camping site and a few fields which could be muddy to Stoney Royd Spring . We then continue onwards to Lee Bottom Wood, uphill to Hood Green and lunch .
From Hood Green we cross more fields to reach Lowe Wood before passing through another wooded area to reach the Dove Valley Trail which is part of the Trans Pennine Trail . This leads us back past Worsbrough Reservoir to the mill and café .
Please join me on this lovely walk in the South Yorkshire countryside
Barry. Recce on a misty day in December 2017
'C' Walk - Leaders- Elaine, Jean & Isabel. Distance -5.5 miles. Asc - 460 ft. Grade- moderate.
The walk starts at the 17th Century flour mill at Worsbrough where corn has been ground since 1625.
After refreshments at the Miller's Cafe we follow the path along the southern edge of Worsbrough Reservoir for a short distance before crossing the reservoir to make our way towards Rockley Old Hall.
After a short walk along a quiet lane we cross the footbridge over the M1 motorway to head down the road to the junction with Rockley Lane where we soon arrive at the Queen Anne's Obelisk in Stainbrough Park.
We follow the path on the outskirts of Ivas Wood before taking a detour from the original route, to the Duke of Argyle's Monument where we will have our coffee break.
We then re-trace our steps back to the motorway to avoid a difficult section through Broom Royd Wood. We re-cross the motorway footbridge and turn northwards into Worsbrough Country Park to follow minor paths along the northern perimeter of the reservoir.
A final section over the much improved reservoir bridge takes us back to our starting point at the mill.
This is a pleasant interesting walk in attractive surroundings. 
Inevitably some wet sections at this time of the year so a walking pole is always advisable. A good café and toilet facilities at the Mill.
During its heyday the reservoir was a very popular location for anglers from far and wide and the recently completed improvements to the reservoir and its immediate surroundings will be well received by all.
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