For many Sheffield-based walkers, the Peak District adventure often begins and ends with the Edale and Kinder Scout hikes. A new 62-mile trail is hoping to change that, tempting “Steel City” residents to look west and explore new, “ignored” areas of the Peak District.
The Steel Cotton Rail Trail, which links Sheffield to Manchester, is split into 14 day-length sections. While Edale is indeed a start/finish point for one of its 7.5-mile legs, the trail’s main purpose is to showcase the regions beyond the main spine of the Pennines.
The route is pegged to the Hope Valley Line, making it incredibly easy for Sheffielders to take a train and explore a new section. The trail offers a huge variety, from challenging moorland climbs to gentle riverside walks and fascinating heritage sites.
Walkers will discover the post-industrial story of the region, including the “canal mania” at Bugsworth Basin, the 18th-century Peak Forest Tramway, and the dramatic gorges and viaducts of New Mills. It’s a landscape rich in history and natural beauty.
This new, well-marked trail is a fantastic invitation to broaden your hiking horizons. It’s a chance for Sheffielders to discover the charming valleys, historic towns, and “eye-calming” landscapes that lie on the other side of the peaks.
