+ How long does a walk take and how far is it?

Walks take about two hours but it depends on the size of the group. The distance is roughly 2km (1.2 miles).

+ Where does the walk start and end?

The meeting point is the large Bessemer Converter outside the main entrance to Kelham Island Museum. The Bessemer Converter looks like this. The postcode for the museum is S3 8RY but this will just take you to the end of the road. For the precise location click here or if you use What3Words it's at locals.costs.undulation. Although our meeting place is outside the museum the walks are run independently of Sheffield Museums.

The walk finishes very close to the starting point.

+ How much does it cost?

It's £10 a head, however there are special rates for pre-arranged private walks - more details here.

+ Is there anything specific I should bring?

Just yourself and suitable clothes and footwear. Most of the walk is on roads and pavements but there are some areas that are cobbled. Make sure you're dressed appropriately for the weather - check the forecast before setting off. Bring lots of layers and waterproofs if it's cold or wet. You may want suncream and water if it's hot.

+ Does the walk still happen even if it's terrible weather?

The walk will usually take place come rain or shine. On very rare occasions when the weather is so poor that it has to be cancelled, you will be texted and emailed as far in advance as possible. You will then be offered a refund or you can choose a different date. Please make sure you provide a mobile number and email address when booking.

+ Is there anywhere I can go to the toilet?

We'd recommend going before you set off but when Kelham Island Museum or the Millowners Arms pub is open then there is a toilet available just inside the museum entrance. If you need to go en route then you'll have to catch us up as we won't be able to wait for you!

+ Is it suitable for people who are disabled or with restricted mobility?

Most of the walk is on roads and pavements and we can make sure that we cross where there are dropped kerbs if this is needed (please let us know on the day or if you have a hidden disability). Some parts are cobbled and so have an uneven surface and there are only limited places to sit down en route.

+ Is the walk suitable for children?

As long as they are interested in local history and walking around for two hours then yes. The content of the walk is pretty tame, although there is one brief mention of sex work!

+ Can I book a private walk?

Yes absolutely. Kelham Island Walks have run private walks for heritage groups, birthdays treats for families and away days for local businesses. You can find out more here.

+ Who leads the walks?

Walks are generally led by Anders Hanson, a local resident and historian who set up Kelham Island Walks. The walks are not his day job and so if you're getting touch or want to organise a private walk then please be as flexible as you can.

+ Can I get a refund once I've booked?

Once you've booked you can't usually get a refund, however your booking can be moved to an alternative date if you give 48-hours notice. In the unlikely event that Kelham Island Walks have to cancel then you will be offered a refund or you can choose an alternative date.

+ How do I get to Kelham Island?

The starting point is about a 15-20 minute walk downhill from the city centre which can be reached by bus or tram from most parts of Sheffield and surrounding areas. Alternatively, it's a 10 minute walk from Shalesmoor tram stop. If you're coming by train from further afield you can catch a blue route tram from Sheffield railway station to Shalesmoor tram stop which will take about 15 minutes on the tram and then a 10 minute walk. The destination on the front of the tram will usually say Malin Bridge.

If you are arriving by car please give yourself plenty of time to find a parking space. On street parking can be difficult and a number of changes have been made to local roads in recent years. In particular a short stretch of Alma Street outside the Fat Cat pub is now closed to cars. At the time of writing, there are three pay and display car parks within a 5 minute walk:

• Brookshaw Park has a privately owned car park opposite the Kelham Island Tavern on Russell Street. Parking is £2.50 for up to four hours 7 days a week. Make sure you only park within the white lined spaces as other spaces belong to the adjacent businesses.
• Ebenezer Street is a council owned car park. It costs £2 to park for any period of time after 4.30pm on Mondays to Saturday or all days on Sundays. The cost is more at other times.
• The Q-Park Riverside multi-storey on Millsands costs £6.50 for up to 2 hours or £9.50 for up to 3 hours. Brookshaw Park is usually the easiest place to find a space. Please be aware that the car parks belonging to Kelham Island Museum can only be used with a walking tour if you are also visiting the museum.

If you're catching a taxi you'll find most taxi drivers will know Kelham Island but not necessarily how to find the museum. If you ask for Craft & Dough restaurant, Millowners Arms or the Chimney House, these are all nearby.

+ What else can I do in Kelham Island?

We'd definitely recommend Kelham Island Museum which will tell you more about Sheffield's industrial history and is now free to visit (please be aware that the museum is usually closed on Mondays and Saturdays, except when there are special events or Sheffield school holidays). Kelham Island also has lots of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants which you can find more about at This is Sheffield, who can also tell you all about the special one-off events that are on. Just outside Kelham Island is the National Emergency Services Museum.

+ Can you recommend any other walks?

If you're a foodie and fancy exploring some of the great places to eat and drink in Kelham Island and Neepsend then definitely take a look at Kelham Island Food Tours. They get excellent reviews and Sophie who runs them has offered Kelham Island Walks helpful advice on getting set up. If chocolate is your thing, then Neepsend's very own chocolate maker Bullion, runs factory tours and tastings.

Also, if you're in London then Look Up London and London Walks are both brilliant. They have provided lots of inspiration and their guides have been hugely enouraging in getting Kelham Island Walks up and running.