Walkers in the North West have gained a vital new link in their trail network. The newly launched Steel Cotton Rail Trail creates a 62-mile (100km) pathway from Sheffield to Manchester, where it conveniently connects with the 200-mile orbital GM Ringway path.
This new trail is a significant development for the region’s walking infrastructure. It creates an interconnected network, allowing hikers to plan much longer, varied routes. The trail itself is split into 14 day-length sections, all pegged to stations on the Hope Valley railway line, making it exceptionally easy to access.
The Steel Cotton Rail Trail is designed for maximum variety. It offers everything from urban “mooches” in the cities to strenuous moorland hikes in the central Peak District. For those wanting a gentle day out, it also incorporates level, scenic walks along canals and the River Goyt.
This route doesn’t just celebrate nature; it embraces the region’s post-industrial character. Walkers will pass through landscapes shaped by limestone quarrying, coal mining, and textile manufacturing. Highlights include the historic Bugsworth Basin and the dramatic viaducts of New Mills.
With full waymarking and free online maps, the trail is ready for explorers. This new link is a welcome addition, tempting Sheffielders to explore beyond the usual hikes and providing Manchester residents with a fantastic new route that links directly to their own orbital pathway.