West Haigh Wood & Spring Country Park Circular

Michael Palmer
3 days ago
2 min read

Explore Yorkshire’s Green Heritage

At The White Shire, we celebrate all things Yorkshire — from its landscapes and heritage to hidden walking gems. Our Yorkshire Walks series tracks some of the region’s most interesting routes, and the West Haigh Wood & Spring Country Park Circular in Grimethorpe is a perfect example of nature, history, and regeneration all in one.

This circular walk combines the tranquillity of West Haigh Wood with the reclaimed landscapes of Spring Country Park (New Park Springs), offering scenic views, wildlife spotting, and a glimpse into Yorkshire’s industrial past.

A Walk Through History & Regeneration

Spring Country Park, formerly part of Grimethorpe Colliery, and West Haigh Wood, a mix of mature and newly-planted woodland, together form a green corridor in the South Yorkshire landscape. After the colliery closure in the early 1990s, spoil heaps and derelict land were transformed through the National Coalfield Programme into open meadows, wetlands, and woodland.

Now managed by The Land Trust, the park and woodlands showcase how industrial land can be reclaimed for public enjoyment, wildlife, and community use. Walking here is more than just exercise — it’s a journey through Yorkshire’s industrial heritage and environmental regeneration.

What You’ll See on the Circular

🌳 West Haigh Wood: Mature trees, woodland trails, and the scent of pine and oak create a peaceful, shaded section of the walk. Ideal for birdwatching and spotting small mammals.
🦆 Spring Country Park / New Park Springs: Open meadows, wetlands, and wildlife-rich ponds transformed from colliery spoil heaps. Perfect for observing waterfowl, butterflies, and seasonal wildflowers.
🌄 Panoramic Views: Elevated points along the circular route provide views across Grimethorpe, surrounding villages, and South Yorkshire’s rolling countryside.
🪶 Wildlife & Habitats: The combination of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands supports diverse species — from kestrels and skylarks to bees and dragonflies.

Route Highlights

The West Haigh Wood & Spring Country Park Circular is a gentle to moderate circular route, around 1–2 hours depending on pace and stops.

Starting Point: Moor Lane, Grimethorpe
The walk first passes through West Haigh Wood, with its network of leafy trails.
It then loops into Spring Country Park, where elevated paths and open spaces offer wide-ranging views.
Benches and rest points are dotted along the route for a flask stop or a picnic.
Paths include gravel, compacted earth, and woodland trails — suitable for families and casual walkers, though sturdy shoes are recommended after rain.

Practical Information

📍 Start/Finish: Moor Lane, Grimethorpe
🚗 Parking: Street parking on Moor Lane (check local restrictions)
🚌 Public Transport: Bus links from Barnsley, Cudworth, and nearby villages
🐾 Dogs: Welcome on leads
⏱️ Difficulty: Easy–moderate
🥾 Distance: Approximately 3–4 miles for the full circular

Why This Circular Walk Is Worth It

This circular route blends Yorkshire’s green spaces, wildlife, and heritage in one accessible walk. From shaded woodland trails in West Haigh Wood to reclaimed colliery landscapes at Spring Country Park, walkers get a unique perspective on how the Grimethorpe area has regenerated over the last 30 years.

It’s perfect for local families, walkers exploring South Yorkshire, or anyone wanting to combine history, nature, and gentle exercise.