A new 100km (62-mile) recreational path has officially launched, connecting the urban cores of Manchester and Sheffield. The Steel Cotton Rail Trail is a 14-section route that guides walkers and cyclists through the “charming and eye-calming” landscapes of the Peak District.
This ambitious trail has been several years in the planning and is now fully waymarked. Its design is a model of accessibility: it’s “rail-pegged,” with all 14 day-length sections starting and ending at stations on the Hope Valley Line.
There is “something for everyone.” The route offers challenging “summit-fiend” hikes on the high moors, gentle, flat walks along canals and the River Goyt, and “metropolitan mooches” for urban explorers in the two cities.
The trail is a journey through a “post-industrial” heritage landscape. Walkers will discover the 1796 Peak Forest Tramway, the historic Bugsworth Basin, and the “dramatic” town of New Mills, with its magnificent viaducts.
This new trail is a fantastic new asset for the North. It’s a perfect way to plan a car-free day trip or a multi-day adventure, exploring the “magical moods” of this beautiful and historic region.
A 100km Adventure: Manchester to Sheffield by Foot
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