Where to scatter ashes in Sheffield

For many people, scattering ashes is a deeply personal moment. It can be a really meaningful way to say goodbye and it’s important to take time to plan ahead and ensure you choose the right location for you and your loved one.

While some people choose to keep ashes at home in an urn, many people scatter ashes around natural beauty spots, usually places that have special memories attached to them. 

Scattering ashes is a great way of honouring your loved ones and in the UK people are generally allowed to scatter ashes anywhere. This can be along a river, in the sea, under a tree, at the beach or even on private land.

To scatter ashes in the sea or in a river then you do not need to have permission but there are some guidelines to follow and it’s recommended you seek advice from the environmental agency. For places inland it’s generally safe, but there are guidelines in place to protect nature and permission may need to be granted from the landowner. 

As Sheffield is surrounded by beautiful countryside and rivers, there are many places for families and friends to scatter ashes, from the River Don, to Stanage Edge in the Peak District.

Find your funeral director in Sheffield who will help you arrange a cremation and give you ideas of a meaningful place to scatter your loved one's ashes.

The River Don is located in the West Riding of Yorkshire, rising in the Pennines and flowing for 70 miles eastwards, through the Don Valley and past Penistone, Sheffield, Rotherham, Conisbrough, Doncaster and Stainforth. It is a river with a rich history that played an important role in the industrial revolution with recent efforts made to restore the river and banks.

The River Don is popular with recreational paddlers who travel up and down its 70-mile long stretch. You can paddle on the River Don from Deepcar down through Oughtibridge before the river flows into Sheffield. The river is also a great place to fish and many birds and local wildlife make it their home. It is particularly loved by fly anglers for its healthy population of Grayling, and the river is protected by local angling clubs.

This popular, beloved river is rich in history and would be an excellent place to scatter a loved one’s ashes, particularly if they were a fan of fishing or watersports. When scattering ashes in a river, be sure to follow the Environment Agency’s guidance to help protect the local habitat.

The Peak District National Park is home to an impressive, diverse range of landscapes, offering panoramic views that make this area breathtakingly beautiful. No matter where you walk in the Peak District you’re sure to see some amazing sights. From rugged limestone valleys to serene lakes and reservoirs, the Peak District is the perfect place to get close to nature. 

Two particular highlights for memorable places include Stanage Edge and the Tideswell and Millers Dale walk. Stanage Edge is just north of Hathersage (where Robin Hood’s companion Little John is thought to be buried), and while it is popular with climbers you do not have to climb Stanage Edge. There are several small man-made paths that take you all the way to the top. Once you’ve reached the top you can walk along the ridge and take in the breathtaking views. But even halfway up Stanage Edge, there are big rocks where you can stop and sit, reflecting on the life of your loved one yourself or with family members. 

Meanwhile, the Tideswell and Millers Dale walk are some of the best walking trails in the Peak District. The trail takes you through a series of viaducts that were originally constructed as thorough ways for trains, and eventually to Litton Mill. The mill has now been renovated and turned into apartments. However, this tranquil trail would be a great place to scatter your loved one’s ashes and reflect.

At 750 acres, Rother Valley Country Park offers plenty of gorgeous landscapes to explore and enjoy. You can bring a picnic to the park, or buy delicious treats at the Stables Cafe such as homemade scones or ice cream.

The park is also teeming with wildlife—there have been a staggering 260 species of birds recorded at the park. Rother Valley Country Park also permits fishing with your own equipment at two of the lakes and on the River Rother. 

There are also plenty of cycle routes, some flat and leisurely, others more challenging that trail through the woodlands. The Cycle Hire Centre in the park is open all year round and offers several cycle hire options including single cycles, double choppers, tandems, go-karts, and family cycles for 4-6 people. You can also hire accessible cycles, as well as wheelchair and mobility scooters.

Rother Valley Country Park is also home to miniature train Bluebell or Basil who operate on the weekends and during school holidays, weather permitting. The train also has an accessible carriage for pushchairs and wheelchairs. 

So whether your loved one was keen on fishing, cycling, or bird watching, Rother Valley Country Park is a beautiful and poignant place to scatter their ashes.