As a part of our All Hands on the Don project we created 5 short heritage walks with audio
guides to highlight the important heritage features along the rivers in Doncaster. In the first in
this series of blogs, we will be looking at the Barnby Dun Glass Pass, discussing the route
and some of the highlights of the walk.
The Barnby Dun Glass Pass is a 2.8 mile / 4.4 kilometre route that explores the glass
making heritage Kirk Sandall and explores the historic village of Barnby dun. The in-depth
audio guide provides a detailed description of the historic churches and industrial heritage
(mainly focusing on glass production) in the area.
The Ardagh Glass Factory viewed from the Don Valley Way
You begin in a small car park at the side of the canal. Theres usually ample space for
walkers to park here for this trail. You begin by heading along the canal towards Barnby Dun.
This area is usually full of life! I have regularly seen Grey Herons, Cormorants and
kingfishers using the canal and once on a Bat walk we saw the ghostly floating flight of a
Barn Owl. The tow path here is paved and is very accessible. The audio guide provides a
description of the importance of this canal to both local industry and the industry of the other
towns and cities in South Yorkshire.
A Terrible photo of a Grey Heron along the canal between Barnby Dun and Kirk Sandall
The walk continues through Barnby Dun where we join roads. Some of the roads on this
walk do not have a pavement however these roads are very quiet. The route also travels
along a few main roads which all have wide pavements and pelican crossings. In Barnby
Dun you will pass St Peter and St Pauls Church and have an opportunity to get refreshments
in the Barnby Dun Farm Shop which is around halfway through the route.
This next section of the walked passes through some very scenic farmland where the path
becomes unpaved. There are no stiles in this section but there are 3 kissing gates. You will
pass under a small foot bridge which is a part of the seasonal corn maze which is open in
autumn for visitors around Halloween. You will then cross into a second field and head
towards the Glass Park.
Towards the end of the walk, you will pass through the Glass Park. This park was
established as a millennium project and is a valuable community asset which is managed
today by the community. As you enter the park you will see the sign designed by young
people from the local area.
The Glass Park Sign
Shortly after leaving the park, you will return to the carpark where the walk began, after
passing the deconsecrated St Oswalds Church. St Oswalds is cared for by the community
and once served the local glass workers from nearby Kirk Sandall. You can learn more about
the Church and over features of the walk by checking out our detailed audio guide read by
Volunteering Officer Ben Curl. Unable to listen to the audio guide? No problem! You can also
see a transcript of the guide here.
I hope that this blog has encouraged you to get out and explore your local rivers either
through the Glass Pass or one of our other heritage walks all of which can be seen here.
Written by Volunteering Officer Anthony Cox
