What to Expect
The Equiano Way is an 80-mile walking route across South Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. The terrain is mostly flat to gently undulating — field paths, canal towpaths, quiet lanes and riverside tracks. There are no mountains, but some days are long and require stamina.
The route is waymarked in places but not throughout. You should carry a map or use the GPS-enabled map on this app. Mobile signal is generally good but may be patchy in the Humberhead Levels between Days 4 and 5.
Difficulty
Moderate. Suitable for regular walkers with reasonable fitness. The longest day (Day 4, Austerfield to Epworth) is 13.2 miles.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking boots — waterproof recommended
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (weather in Yorkshire is changeable)
- Daypack with water, snacks, and sun protection
- Charged phone with this app saved to your home screen
- OS Explorer maps 278, 279, 280, 281 (or digital equivalent)
- Small first aid kit
- Notebook or camera for your observations
On the Route — Day 1 Practical Info
Below is an example of practical waypoint information available on the map. Full data for all sections will be added as walkers submit their briefs.
Getting There
Start (Wincobank Chapel, Sheffield): The nearest station is Meadowhall (0.9 miles). Buses 69 and 69a serve Wincobank Lane. By car, there is limited street parking on Wincobank Lane.
End (Wilberforce House, Hull): Hull Paragon station is 0.3 miles from Wilberforce House. Direct trains run to Sheffield (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes) for return.
Between sections: Most section start/end points are accessible by bus or train. Check Traveline Yorkshire for local connections.
Install as an App
The Equiano Way works offline once installed on your phone. Save it to your home screen for quick access and offline map use.
Android (Chrome)
- Open this site in Chrome
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right
- Tap "Add to Home screen" or "Install app"
- Confirm the name and tap "Add"
- The app icon will appear on your home screen
iOS (Safari)
- Open this site in Safari (not Chrome)
- Tap the Share button (square with arrow) at the bottom
- Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
- Confirm the name and tap "Add"
- The app icon will appear on your home screen
Offline use
Once installed, the map, route data, and all stories are cached on your device. You can use the app without a mobile signal. Map tiles you have viewed will also be available offline.