A new 62-mile walking and cycling trail has launched, and its most innovative feature is its “rail-pegged” design. The Steel Cotton Rail Trail, linking Manchester and Sheffield, is built around the rail network, making it one of the most accessible long-distance paths in the region.
The 100km route is divided into 14 manageable, day-friendly sections. Each of these sections begins and ends at a train station, primarily using the stops along the Hope Valley Line. This allows for unparalleled flexibility and sustainable, car-free travel.
Walkers can easily hop on a train, walk a point-to-point section, and then catch a train home from their destination. This design is perfect for day-trippers, families, or those who want to complete the entire trail over several weekends without complex car-shuffling logistics.
The trail itself offers a huge range of experiences, from urban exploration at its city ends to rugged moorland climbs in its centre. There are also many gentle, flat options along canals and rivers, ensuring there’s a walk for every ability level.
This new route, now fully waymarked and with maps available online, is a model for accessible trail design. It’s a welcome addition that makes exploring the “post-industrial” beauty and heritage of the Peak District easier than ever.