Five Weirs Walk

Maps &c

Actually, this covers only about a quarter of the walk: from Sheffield Quays to Attercliffe.  Taking the River Don from Washford Bridge towards the city centre and returning along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal. Click some pictures to enlarge.		Quiet flows the Don; the banks lined by lush vegetation. Unfortunately, most of it is composed of three invasive species: Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and Buddleja.  The latter is probably the least problematic since it fairly easily removed, doesn't compete over-much with native species and does provide some resources for invertebrates.
	This used to be a good salmon river (sp much so that apprentices used to complain about being fed on it every day). A local artist has produced commemorative seats.
Salmon Pastures Nature Reserve has been reclaimed from a waste tip on which slag from the iron works was poured. It has produced a sort of heathland: there is plenty of heather present although much of it is being colonised by birch and alder scrub. Naturally there is a ladybird here .....		This is the 7-spot Coccinella septempunctata, supposedly the most abundant ladybird in UK although is only fifth in my league table of observations from Sheffield.  The Buddleja her hosts at least four species of true bugs - below left and right. This is a good time of year for bugs: they have reached full size and are easier to see and identify.
	Not that these have yet been identified. Something to do in the winter months, as I say every year.
Most of the background to this walk is old industry but in parts native species are reclaiming the land. Perhaps the most spectacular sight of the day was this Aeshna grandis sunbathing on Buddleja. This is the only British dragonfly species with yellow-brown wings. Part of one wing is missing: a narrow escape from a bird?		As the walk's name implies, there are five weirs on the stretch of this Don. Good for kayakers and also for herons. Below is Walk Mill weir with road and rail bridges behind. The old rail station near here has been closed for many a year. At this point one has to leave the riverside and walk through the streets: uninteresting unless you like looking at car showrooms ...
	However, a riverside path is being built or resurrected. This (left) walkway goes under one of the railway arches. The lighting is rather interesting ....
Arriving at Victoria Quays - most of the old buildings remain and some have been converted to hotels and the like. Despite much building in the area there is little sign of life most of the time!  The view over Sheffield is not impressive.  Here one switches to the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal and starts the return journey. Canals are seldom as interesting rivers and they accumulate a lot of rubbish but you meet some interesting things on the towpath .....
	Taking the way out by the bridge at Bacon Lane ..... home, looking forward to the rest of the walk one day

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CREATED 19.ix.2005