A fantastic new option for car-free adventures has opened in the north of England. The Steel Cotton Rail Trail, a 100km route, is designed to be explored using the rail system, linking Sheffield and Manchester via the convenient stops of the Hope Valley Line.
This 62-mile path is broken down into 14 distinct sections, each designed to be a manageable day-walk. This innovative approach allows travelers to hop on a train, walk a segment of the beautiful Peak District, and then easily catch a train home or to their next lodging. It removes the logistical headache of circular routes or car shuffling.
The trail caters to all abilities. If you’re looking for a challenge, the central sections offer rugged moorland and rewarding climbs with big views. If a peaceful stroll is more your speed, opt for the level canal towpaths or follow the pastoral River Goyt. Even city lovers are covered, with interesting urban sections bookending the trail.
Beyond the natural beauty, the trail is a journey through history. It cuts through a post-industrial landscape, guiding walkers past old limestone quarries, former textile mills like Torr Vale, and the impressive Bugsworth Basin, once the busiest inland port on the canal system. You’ll walk routes once trod by horses pulling trams full of stone.
This trail is a wonderful addition to the region’s outdoor offerings and even links up with the 200-mile GM Ringway in Manchester. With clear waymarking and readily available maps, it’s a perfect, accessible way to discover the hidden valleys and industrial heritage between two major cities.