what's your move logo new Barnsley Walking Festival

Barnsley Walking Festival

The Barnsley Walking Festival is back! There are more than 200 activities on offer for you to get walking this May.

From family walks to wellbeing walks and walking sports too, there's lots of activities to choose from. Many are also free to attend!

Joining organised walking and other outdoor activities is a fantastic way to get those active minutes in, while also meeting new people and having fun! However, if joining an organised activity isn't your thing, why not take a walk around your local area with friends or family?

Maybe you could leave the car at home and walk to the local shops or to school and back. Or maybe you could get off the bus a stop early? You might even venture further afield and visit some of the amazing green spaces we have in Barnsley.

Whatever you choose, walking is brilliant for physical health and mental wellbeing. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start walking!

Why not enter our competition? To enter, simply share pictures of your walking adventures on Facebook and X (Twitter) using the hashtag #WhatsYourMove. Good luck!

Walking activities on Mondays

Social wellbeing walk

Monday walking

Walking netball

  • Time: 11.45am to 12.45pm, every Monday
  • Venue: Penistone Leisure Centre
  • Details: £4 per session. Everyone is welcome to this friendly, fun session - no experience needed.
  • Organised by: Sporting Penistone
  • Contact: Email hannah.burton@swyt.nhs.uk

Manvers Lake waterfront wellbeing walk

  • Time: 12pm to 1.30pm, every Monday
  • Meeting point: RSPB courtyard, S73 0YF
  • Organised by: Julia Powles / Ian Henry
  • Contact: Email juliapowles2003@yahoo.co.uk 

Walking football

  • Time: 12pm to 1pm, every Monday
  • Venue: Indoor Training Centre, Grove Street, S71 1ET
  • Details: Free for Central Area participant men and women.
  • Organised by: Barnsley FC Community Trust
  • Contact: Email seanmargison@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Walking activities on Tuesdays

Phoenix Park wellbeing walk

Nordic walking

  • Time: 10am to 11am, every Tuesday
  • Venue: Various locations - see the Moving with Equanimity website.
  • Details: Gentle social Nordic walking group with Pilates, building strength, mobility, balance and coordination. Aimed at those aged 50 or over with limiting health conditions. A five class pass costs £25.
  • Organised by: Move with Equanimity
  • Contact: Email sarah@movewithequanimity.co.uk or call 07936 362578.

New age kurling

  • Time: 10am to 12pm, every Tuesday
  • Venue: Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre
  • Details: Slow paced activity for everyone. Charge of £3 per session.
  • Organised by: BPL
  • Contact: Email connor.pickles@bpl.org.uk 

Tuesday walker's group

Penistone walking group

  • Time: 10am, every Tuesday
  • Venue: Penistone area
  • Details: Walks are about 4 to 5 five miles long. They are moderate low-level walks in the Penistone area. Some routes have stiles, slopes and inclines - please check with the walk leader if these could cause a problem. Most walks meet in a public car park and if needed car sharing can be arranged. Suitable footwear and wet weather gear are part of our essential equipment.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a.
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Royston walk and talk

  • Time: 10am to 2.30pm, every Tuesday
  • Meeting point: Meet in Royston Civic car park, S70 2HZ.
  • Details: This 8-mile circular route is aimed at more able walkers. The walks are fairly flat, using local trails along the disused railway and canal routes around Royston. The walking pace is leisurely with at least two stops. It’s a good way of keeping fit, enjoying the fresh air, and making new friends. All you need to do is turn up with suitable shoes or boots, waterproofs if required, a flask and a packed lunch. Unfortunately no pets are allowed on the walk.
  • Contact: Email amwalker2@hotmail.com

Step out at Wentworth Castle Gardens

  • Time: 11am to 12pm, every Tuesday
  • Meeting point: Outside the visitor information shed at Wentworth Castle.
  • Details: Meet some friendly people, enjoy nature and improve your health by joining our wellbeing walk. Wear flat, sensible footwear and bring suitable clothing for the unpredictable British weather! Includes free admission to Wentworth Castle Gardens with no booking required. The buggy shuttle service will be available for anyone who needs it. You can also book a personal mobility scooter by emailing wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk.
  • Organised by: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Contact: Email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Elsecar Park wellbeing walk

  • Time: 11am to 12pm, every Tuesday
  • Meeting point: Outside the Teapot Cafe in the park, S74 8EY.
  • Organised by: Peter White / Ken Mosley
  • Contact: Email peter-bmv@hotmail.com

Walking football

  • Time: 5.30pm to 6.30pm, every Tuesday
  • Venue: Honeywell Sports Village, Honeywell Lane, Barnsley
  • Organised by: Age UK Barnsley
  • Details: The beautiful game… just a bit slower. Booking essential
  • Contact: To book your place please call Age UK Barnsley on 01226 776820 or Christine from AFC Pogmoor on 07921 861498.

Walking activities on Wednesdays

Walking, talking, tea and toast

  • Time: 9.30am, every Wednesday
  • Meeting point: Wheels and Walkers Cafe, S70 5LJ.
  • Details: Come to socialise and chat on our weekly strolls before having tea and toast at the cafe.
  • Organised by: Barnsley FC Community Trust
  • Contact: Email hannah.wright@barnsleyfc.co.uk 

Wednesday rambler group

  • Time: 10am, every Wednesday
  • Venue: Various locations
  • Details: 4 to 5 mile walks of varying difficulty - check with the walk leader.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a.
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Cudworth circuit wellbeing walk

Next Steps Forward walks

Wombwell circuit wellbeing walk

Walk Out Wednesday - Penistone wellbeing walk

  • Time: 11am to 12.15pm, every Wednesday
  • Meeting point: On the bench next to the skate park, S36 6TS.
  • Organised by: Sharon Haggerty

Walking football

  • Time: 12pm to 1pm, every Wednesday
  • Venue: Indoor Training Centre, Grove Street, S71 1ET
  • Details: Session for men and women. £3 charge per session.
  • Organised by: Barnsley FC Community Trust
  • Contact: Email seanmargison@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Walking netball

  • Time: 2pm to 3pm, every Wednesday
  • Venue: Penistone Leisure Centre
  • Details: £4 per session. Everyone is welcome to this friendly, fun session - no experience needed.
  • Organised by: Sporting Penistone

Come walk with us - Barnsley FC Community Trust

  • Time: 4.30pm to 5.30pm, every Wednesday
  • Meeting point: Worsbrough Miners Welfare
  • Details: 2-mile walk.
  • Organised by: Barnsley FC Community Trust
  • Contact: Email hannah.wright@barnsleyfc.co.uk 

Walking activities on Thursdays

Thursday walkers group

  • Time: 10am, first and third Thursday of the month
  • Details: Various routes, 5.5 to 8 miles long.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a, led by Michael Swift and David Leadbeater.
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Bus pass walking group

  • Time: 10am to 12pm, first and third Thursday of the month.
  • Meeting point: Barnsley Interchange
  • Details: 4 to 5-mile walk.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a, led by Anne Swann and Marjorie Wallace.
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Thursday challenging walks

  • Time: Second Thursday of the month - see Barnsley u3a website for details.
  • Details: Walks are challenging in terms of distance and terrain and need a good level of fitness. Good footwear and clothing for all weathers is essential. Review the personal risk assessment check list before every walk. Often an hour's travel to the meeting place.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Thursday longer walks

  • Time: Fourth Thursday of the month - see Barnsley u3a website for details.
  • Details: Depending on the time of year, the walks are usually 8 to 9 miles long. Good footwear and clothing for all weathers are essential. Review the personal risk assessment checklist before each walk. Can involve challenging ascents and terrain. Often one hour's travel from Barnsley.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Strolling Reds

  • Time: 10am to 12pm, every Thursday
  • Details: Distance and routes vary - email to find out more.
  • Organised by: Barnsley FC Community Trust
  • Contact: Email seanmargison@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Walking cricket

  • Time: 10am to 12pm, every Thursday
  • Venue: Hoyland Leisure Centre on 9 May, Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre from 16 May
  • Details: Session for retired and semi-retired men and women. No experience needed. £3 charge per session.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a / Mac McKechnie by emailing mckechnie31@btinternet.com or calling 07891 745633. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Worsbrough Mill circuit wellbeing walk

Walk with a volunteer ranger - Wentworth Castle Gardens

  • Time: 11am to 1pm, every Thursday
  • Meeting point: Outside the visitor information shed.
  • Details: A weekly informal, friendly and short walk to explore all aspects of the beautiful parkland through the changing seasons. Sensible footwear is needed for uneven terrains and mud. Normal admission fees apply. No booking is needed.
  • Organised by: Wentworth Castle
  • Contact: Email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Walking cricket

  • Time: 12pm to 2pm, every Thursday
  • Venue: Indoor Training Centre, Grove Street, S71 1ET
  • Details: Session for those who are retired or semi-retired and competitive. £3 charge per session.
  • Organised by: Barnsley FC Community Trust
  • Contact: Email seanmargison@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Lundwood wellbeing walk

Darton walking for wellness

  • Time: 1.30pm, every Thursday
  • Meeting point: Outside Darton Darby and Joan Club.
  • Details: Steady walk around two routes, alternating weekly. Darton Park (route only walked in winter) is flat, with tarmac paths and benches available. The Longfields walk requires a fair level of mobility as the ground is uneven and can be muddy. Moderate intensity.
  • Organised by: Age UK Barnsley
  • Contact: Call (01226) 776820.

Penistone walk and talk wellbeing walk

Summer Lane dog walking group

  • Time: 5.30pm, every Thursday
  • Meeting point: Outside the Creative Recovery Centre on Prospect Street
  • Organised by: Kat
  • Contact: Call 07804 746140.

Walking activities on Fridays

Walking football

  • Time: 10am, every Friday
  • Venue: Dodworth Miners Welfare
  • Details: Session for men with intermediate football skills.
  • Organised by: Barnsley u3a.
  • Contact: Barnsley u3a. Become a Barnsley u3a member to sign up.

Grimethorpe stroll wellbeing walk

  • Time: 10.30am to 11.45am, every Friday
  • Meeting point: Acorn Centre car park at the rear gates, S72 7BB.
  • Organised by: Peter Hague
  • Contact: Email peter.hague@nhs.net

Walking football

  • Time: 10am to 12pm, every Friday
  • Venue: Hoyland Leisure Centre
  • Details: Slow paced session for everyone. £4.50 charge per session, including a hot drink.
  • Organised by: BPL
  • Contact: Email connor.pickles@bpl.org.uk

Reds Connect walking group

  • Time: 1pm to 3pm, every Friday
  • Details: Distance and routes vary - email for details.
  • Organised by: Barnsley FC Community Trust
  • Contact: Email seanmargison@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Walking Fridays community hub

  • Time: 2pm to 3pm, every Friday
  • Meeting point: Outside the Community Hub Shop, Athersley, S71 3DQ.
  • Details: Walk and talk session.

Walking activities on Saturdays

Parkwalk at parkrun

  • Time: 9am, every Saturday
  • Venue: Locke Park, Barnsley and Penistone Show Ground, Penistone, Nostell Priory, Nostell.
  • Details: A free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! For more details see Barnsley parkrun, Penistone parkrun and Nostell parkrun.

Walking football

  • Time: 10am, every Saturday
  • Venue: Wombwell Main Community and Sporting Association, Windmill Road, Wombwell.
  • Details: Session open to all.
  • Organised by: Wombwell Main Community and Sporting Association
  • Contact: Call Paul on 07488 356223

Walking activities on Sundays

Sunday strollers

One-off walks

Bluebell photography walk

  • Date: Wednesday 1 May
  • Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
  • Venue: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Meeting point: Outside the visitor information shed.
  • Details: Celebrate May Day with a photography walk in the woodlands of Wentworth Castle Gardens. You'll be walking to Broom Royd Wood and back, a distance of at least a mile, over uneven terrain. Bring your phone or a camera, no photography experience needed. Free walking activity, though normal admission fees apply. No booking required.
  • Organised by: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Contact: Email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Healthy heritage tour

  • Date: Wednesday 1 May
  • Time: 10am to 11am
  • Meeting point: Grimethorpe Library
  • Details: Grimethorpe Library will be hosting a series of healthy heritage tours. Join Josh Daniels, M.A Public Historian, on a route around the village. Discuss local places of interest, meet new people and maybe learn a new thing or two about Grimethorpe on this guided tour. Sessions will take approximately an hour and aim to be accessible for a range of abilities. Free session with no booking required.

Step into history - parkland monument walk

  • Date: Friday 3 May
  • Time: 11am to 12.45pm
  • Venue: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Meeting point: Outside the visitor information shed.
  • Details: Head out into the parkland on a friendly volunteer-led walk (2.6 miles) to learn about the way in which Thomas and William Wentworth shaped the wider estate. The paths on this walk are uneven with some inclines and may be wet underfoot. Free walking activity though normal admission fees apply. No booking required.
  • Organised by: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Contact: Email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Rhododendron photography walk

  • Date: Wednesday 21 May
  • Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
  • Venue: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Meeting point: Outside the visitor information shed.
  • Details: Capture the beautiful blooms of Wentworth Castle Gardens’ well-known rhododendron collection on this photography walk. The walk will cover around a mile around the garden. Wear strong walking shoes. Bring your phone or a camera, no photography experience needed. Free walking activity, though normal admission fees apply. No booking required.
  • Organised by: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Contact: Email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk

Step into history - Wentworth figures walk

  • Date: Wednesday 22 May
  • Time: 11am to 12.30pm
  • Venue: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Meeting point: Outside the visitor information shed.
  • Details: Uncover some of the colourful histories of Wentworth Castle Gardens by joining a friendly volunteer-led walk. About 75% of the paths on these three walks are hard-standing. Free walking activity, though normal admission fees apply. No booking required. Some urban mobility scooters, buggies and wheelchairs might struggle to manage the whole route. You can book a personal mobility scooter by emailing wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk.
  • Organised by: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Contact: Email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Ranger ramble

  • Date: Thursday 23 May
  • Time: 11am to 1pm
  • Venue: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Meeting point: Outside the visitor information shed.
  • Details: Join the rangers for a monthly ramble in the extensive parkland and woodlands of Wentworth Castle Gardens. Up to 2 hours long walk. Ask questions about the work undertaken by the ranger team to look after and conserve the landscape. Sensible footwear for uneven terrains and mud is recommended. Normal admission fees apply. No booking is required.
  • Organised by: Wentworth Castle Gardens
  • Contact: Email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Self-led walks

Multisensory trails

  • Venue: Cannon Hall and Worsbrough Mill
  • Time: Self-led between 10am and 4pm
  • Details: Explore our green space as you never have before using all of your senses. Pick up your map in the gift shop or download it online. Where will your adventures take you? Will you roll down a big hill, get to know a tree, listen to the birds, smell the flowers or find new flavours in the cafe? Free, drop-in activity.

Reservoir and green space walks

You can also find more parks and green spaces where you can walk, as well as other places to be active.