Timeline
17:10
Start at the dam on Rivelin reservoir. Drive across or walk the muddy footpath from A57 Manchester Road to reach the far end where the Needle rock stands. The autumn air is crisp, so dress warmly.
17:40
Position yourself on the gritstone edge facing southwest. The rocks catch the golden light starting at 17:21, highlighting the texture of the stone before the sun dips below the horizon at 18:10.
18:25
Stay a few minutes longer as the light fades. The silence of the reservoir and the rugged silhouette of the Needle provide a quiet end to the visit.
Local tip
The path can be muddy. Wear sturdy shoes and check the weather, as the rocks are best visited on fine days.
Check before you go
- Access is via a muddy footpath from A57 Manchester Road opposite the dam.
- Bus routes 273, 274, and 275 stop nearby.
- Sunset on 15 October is at 18:10.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Sheffield (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).