The trails were constructed by BikeTrack and funded by over 600 individual donors in a successful local crowdfunding campaign.
The name 'Blue Steel' is a nod to the trail's blue grading and the film Zoolander.
The site was historically part of the Lady Canning’s estate before being transitioned into a recreational woodland.
Ride Sheffield works in partnership with the Sheffield City Council to secure ongoing land access and maintenance permissions.
Lady Canning's Plantation is a dedicated mountain biking destination featuring two primary blue-graded, purpose-built flow trails known as 'Blue Steel' and 'Cooking on Gas'. Managed by the volunteer group Ride Sheffield, the site was the first of its kind in the UK to be funded entirely through community crowdfunding. The trails are designed for progression, offering berms, rollers, and small tabletops that accommodate intermediate riders while remaining accessible for beginners. The plantation sits on the edge of the Peak District National Park, providing a mixture of woodland riding and open moorland vistas. Riders must climb the fire road to reach the trailhead for each descent. The site is maintained through ongoing volunteer work days to ensure drainage and trail integrity. It serves as a central hub for the local Sheffield cycling community.
The elevated sections on 'Blue Steel' offer clear, sweeping views of the surrounding Sheffield landscape and Peak District edges.
Bring a puncture repair kit and basic tools, as there are no on-site repair shops.
The trails drain well, but they can get muddy during heavy winter rainfall; check the Ride Sheffield social media pages for current trail conditions before heading out.
The climb to the top is relatively short but consistent; pace yourself to ensure you have energy for multiple laps.
Attempting to ride the trails during or immediately after severe storms, as this damages the trail surface and increases erosion.
Mountain bikers should yield to hikers and horse riders on shared sections, keep to the marked flow trails, and practice 'Leave No Trace' principles.
