Swinton Grounds
Creighton Woods, Pottery Ponds, Swinton Common & Swinton Racecourse
These areas are near the village of Swinton, north of Rotherham.
Creighton Woods
Creighton Woods can be entered from the top of Warren Vale Road through a Mid-20th Century lychgate but there are other ways in and out where parking is easier. There are some very horrid ponds you would be well advised to keep away from. I am not sure of the extent of the nature reserve, but the woods also include Piccadilly Wood, Long Plantation, and Chain Bar Plantation, and adjoin the very pleasant area of Swinton Recreation Ground. There are excellent footpaths, many of them metalled, but some areas can be very boggy after heavy rain.
Pottery Ponds
Pottery Ponds are off Blackamoor Road at Swinton. There is a small car park. There is a short stroll around the Waterloo Kiln (built in 1815) and the ponds which once served the Rockingham Pottery.
Swinton Common
Swinton Common stretches either side of Warren Vale (the road). The eastern side is covered by Creighton Woods and the western side is also forested with the Lawn Plantation and the Blackamoor Inn Plantation.
Swinton Racecourse
Swinton Racecourse is situated between Swinton and Wath and has not been used as a racecourse for a long time. I'm not sure that it ever was as one of the locals told me it was only a training track. Another has told me that it was an important racecourse in it day. The course of the track is still very clear for the most part except where it disappears under housing estates. Public footpaths cross the racecourse which is nice, flat, easy walking. A round walk will have to take you back through housing estates.