Hills, Canals, and History: New Trail Offers ‘Something for Everyone’

The newly launched Steel Cotton Rail Trail is proving to be one of the most versatile routes in the Peak District, promising an adventure for every fitness level and interest. Spanning 62 miles between Manchester and Sheffield, its defining feature is its incredible variety.
The trail is conveniently split into 14 sections, each linked by railway stations. This allows walkers to pick their perfect day out. Summit-bagging hikers can head for the high moors and hills, while families with young children or those with pets can enjoy gentle, flat walks along canal towpaths and scenic riverbanks.
Urban explorers aren’t left out. The trail begins and ends with “metropolitan mooches” that delve into the industrial heritage of Sheffield and Manchester. This design masterfully connects the bustling cityscapes with the wild, open countryside, tracing the historical links between the “Steel City” and “Cottonopolis.”
History buffs will be fascinated by the journey. The route follows the old Peak Forest Tramway and passes Bugsworth Basin, a key hub during the “canal mania” of the late 1790s. It’s a landscape where remnants of quarries, mills, and light industrial units rub shoulders with stunning natural scenery and reclaimed nature reserves.
For those planning a trip, the trail is fully waymarked, and online resources include PDF maps and GPX files. It’s an ideal way to escape the city and discover the layered history and eye-calming landscapes of a region often overlooked by those rushing to the main Pennine spine.