For walkers looking to venture beyond the popular hotspots of the Peak District, a new trail offers a fresh perspective. The 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail has officially launched, designed to draw visitors to the charming, post-industrial landscapes between Sheffield and Manchester.
While many hikers flock to the main spine of the Pennines, this new route highlights the areas in between. Split into 14 day-friendly legs, it allows for easy exploration of places like the Blackbrook valley, the dramatic gorges of New Mills, and the quiet beauty of the River Goyt.
The entire trail is pegged to the railway, with each section starting and ending at a station. This thoughtful design encourages exploration of smaller villages like Chinley, Hague Bar, and Strines, which walkers might otherwise pass by. It’s an invitation to discover the region’s hidden corners.
This part of the world is a fascinating tapestry of nature and history. The trail runs through reclaimed nature reserves that were once industrial sites and past working factories that sit close to peaceful woodlands. It’s a route that celebrates the reality of the countryside, where “work and wilderness rub along.”
This new path, which also links to the GM Ringway orbital path, is perfect for an autumn amble. Visitors can choose their challenge—from level canal paths to misty moorland hikes—and discover the magical, varied moods of this beautiful and historically rich region.