Sheffield

North, South, East, West (except Manchester)

Photo 1): Park Square. You want to be on the other side of this roundabout, so walk over the blue tram bridge and then follow one of the blue footpaths to Castlegate/Sheffield Parkway on the other side.

Photo 2): Castlegate/Sheffield Parkway. This photo is on the other side of the roundabout from photo 1). The road signposted in green is the main road to the motorway. Use it.

For hitchhiking out of Sheffield use the 'Castlegate'/'Sheffield Parkway' road, just after Park Square roundabout. From the cathedral in the city centre, follow the tramlines downhill (you may as well walk instead of buying a tram ticket: the distance from the cathedral is about 10 minutes' walk). You'll pass by the stations 'Cathedral', 'Castle Square', 'Fitzalan Square/Ponds Forge', and then the track goes over a bridge. Go over this bridge as well. Underneath you is Park Square roundabout (see photo 1)). Take the footpaths over the roundabout, and you will see a main road leading out of the city (see photo 2)). Find a suitable spot on that road and hitchhike from there - cars are going to the motorway and will take you in all directions except Manchester.

Waiting time can be long, around 45-90 minutes. The other options are travelling much futher out, to either Atercliffe Common or to the Meadowhall shopping centre. But for some reason Meadowhall seems to be terrible for hitchhiking. The Atercliffe Common/Broughton Lane junction may be worth a shot, although it is unlikely to be much better than the Castlegate/Sheffield Parkway spot described above.

West (Manchester)

Photo 3): Manchester Road. This photo is taken about 50 metres past Somerfield supermarket. Cars using the white-signposted road on the right are going towards Manchester: either hitchhike from here, or walk along this road until you find a more suitable place.

To go to Manchester, use the A57 road. It's a small road, but it's fast, beautiful and easy to get a ride.

Go to the junction of Fulwood Road and Manchester Road, shown in photo 3). It is the A57 and is in the Broomhill district. From Sheffield University walk west along Whitham Road for 15 minutes. It's best if you ask someone around the university for Broomhill: they will point you in the right direction. Once you get to the shopping street in Broomhill, look for the Somerfield supermarket. The hitchhiking spot is about 50 metres further along the road from there, away from the city.

From the city centre, Broomhill is a 20-30 minute walk. Alternatively, from the city centre take bus 51, 52, 60 or 120 to Broomhill (cost: £1-£1.50). Once you leave the bus stop ask around for the Somerfield supermarket, get to the supermarket and keep walking to find the hitchhiking spot.

The junction itself is not bad for hitchhiking, but a better option would be to start walking along the A57 Manchester Road itself for about 10 minutes. Further down the road there are better stopping places for the cars, however a lot of this is uphill and can be tiring.

The waiting time is short, usually 15-45 minutes, and many cars drive directly to Manchester or Stockport.