Where to run in Sheffield at night

Sheffield’s mix of urban streets, riverside paths, and green spaces makes it a great city for runners, even after dark. Whether you prefer well-lit city routes or quieter suburban trails, choosing the right location ensures a safe and enjoyable night-time run. 

Join us as we highlight some of Sheffield’s top evening running routes, along with key safety tips to help you stay visible and secure.

Sheffield Canal Walk

The Sheffield Canal Walk is an iconic feature of Sheffield, with the route providing a wonderful scenic journey from city to country, or vice versa. At night the walk becomes even more beautiful, with the moonlit architecture and river a wonderful running partner. 

The walk is just shy of 5k at 4.4km. This makes it perfect for a brisk 5k if you extend it slightly, or a wonderfully atmospheric 10k if you choose to double up. 

Endcliffe Park to Forge Dam

For runners who prefer the trails, the route from Endcliffe Park to Forge Dam offers a beautifully moody escape from the city streets. Winding through Porter Valley, this well-trodden path features gentle inclines, tree-lined stretches, and the ever-present soothing sound of the river. While street lighting is minimal, a good head torch will keep you on track, and the popularity of the route means you’re likely to encounter fellow runners and walkers, even at night.

If you’re up for a longer challenge, continue past Forge Dam towards the edge of the Peak District for an extended adventure. Just remember that deeper into the valley, visibility decreases, so that head torch becomes even more essential. 

Norfolk Heritage Trail

The Norfolk Heritage Trail offers a nighttime tour through hundreds of years of Sheffield history — ‘from the middle ages to the modern’. Starting at Sheffield Manor Lodge, you’ll be able to see the vibrant city centre at the hilltop — a startling view in the day, but even more so at night.

During your nighttime run, you’ll experience a wonderful blend of historical buildings and ancient woodland, across some 3 miles. There are a number of alternative routes and ways to modify the linear trail to better suit your aims for speed, incline and distance. Certain sections can get dark at night, so a head torch and reflective gear are advised.

Graves Park

One of the best parkruns in Sheffield, Graves Park offers a great nighttime running option for runners seeking a structured loop with varied elevation. This large green space in the south of Sheffield features wide paths, rolling hills and open fields. While the park itself isn’t fully illuminated, the surrounding residential streets offer enough light to make it a manageable evening route.

Running here is ideal for those who prefer circuits rather than long, extended routes. As always, wearing reflective clothing and carrying a light will help improve visibility.

What’s the benefit of running at night? 

Many runners opt for nighttime jogs — by necessity or by choice. There are a few reasons why a runner may choose to put their running shoes on at night, including:

• Less busy streets: while running during the day has its own benefits, one of the drawbacks is how busy it can sometimes be. Running at night sidesteps some of this, and enables you to run in a calmer environment. 

• A different feel: Sheffield is a city with a unique aesthetic regardless of what time you run through it, but night affords it a special aura. The Sheffield Canal Walk is arguably even more beautiful under moonlight, for example.

• Work schedule: fitting running into a busy work schedule can be tricky — running at night enables you to keep training, while still prioritising your 9-5.

While the benefits of running at night are clear, there is an added element of risk. The reduced visibility makes it harder to see where to place your feet, and you’re also less visible to drivers and cyclists. 

Investing in a wearable light source like the NEO1R Rechargeable Running Head Torch can improve your visibility and keep you safe on your nighttime Sheffield runs.

Practical considerations for night-time running in Sheffield

• Stay visible: reflective gear and a high-lumen LED torch will help you remain seen by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

• Stick to familiar routes: if you’re planning on running a new route, make sure to do a test run on the day first. Running paths you’re already familiar with reduces the risk of getting lost or encountering unexpected obstacles.

• Run with a partner if possible: convincing a friend or friends about the wonders of night running will give you some welcome backup. 

• Check the weather: Sheffield’s hilly landscape can make conditions change quickly, so dress appropriately and prepare for wet or icy surfaces.

• Carry a phone: a fully charged phone helps with navigation and means you can call for help if needed.

The Sheffield landscape: even better at night

Sheffield is a city that offers a great variety of running routes — from historic canal walks to iconic trails. By selecting areas that lend themselves to night running and using the right gear, you can enjoy safe, rewarding nighttime runs. Not to mention seeing a version of Sheffield that feels like a hidden secret. 

Not sure which head torch is right for you? Browse our running head torch range here.