A new long-distance path, the Steel Cotton Rail Trail, masterfully weaves together the industrial heritage, natural beauty, and transport infrastructure of the Peak District. This 62-mile (100km) route provides a new way to journey between the two great northern cities of Manchester and Sheffield.
The trail is a model of accessible design. It is divided into 14 day-walk sections, and each is linked to a station on the Hope Valley Line. This allows walkers and cyclists to easily tackle the route in manageable pieces, creating a “hop-on, hop-off” walking experience without needing a car.
Visitors can expect incredible variety. The route includes urban exploration at either end, challenging hill and moorland sections for serious hikers, and gentle canal and riverside walks perfect for families. Sections follow the historic Peak Forest Tramway and the scenic River Goyt, passing through areas of reclaimed woodland.
The “Steel” and “Cotton” in the name hint at the deep industrial history walkers will encounter. The trail passes Bugsworth Basin, a preserved inland port from the “canal mania” era, and Torr Vale Mill, which was a working textile mill until 2000. It’s a living museum of the region’s post-industrial transformation.
With full waymarking and digital maps available, the trail is ready to be explored. It’s a fantastic addition for locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect way to enjoy the autumn scenery and discover the rich stories embedded in this eye-calming landscape.