A new 62-mile trail between Manchester and Sheffield is shining a spotlight on some of the Peak District’s most fascinating historical and engineering landmarks. The Steel Cotton Rail Trail guides walkers to must-see spots like Bugsworth Basin and the town of New Mills.
Bugsworth Basin, on the Peak Forest canal, is a key feature. Walkers will discover the only intact inland port to survive from the “canal mania” era. This was once the busiest hub of its kind, and information signs bring to life the sheer scale of the limestone trade that passed through it in the 1800s.
The trail also guides visitors through New Mills, a town that is a destination in itself. It is a dramatic constellation of magnificent stone viaducts, fast-flowing water, and vertiginous gorges. A highlight is the sweeping steel Millennium Walkway, which offers incredible views of this unique landscape.
Further along, the path passes Torr Vale Mill, which holds the record as the UK’s longest-running textile mill until its closure in 2000. These sites are woven into a route that also includes quiet riverside ambles along the River Goyt and sections of the 18th-century Peak Forest Tramway.
This 14-section, rail-linked trail makes discovering these gems easier than ever. It’s a perfect route for those who love to mix scenic walking with impressive history, engineering, and the story of the North’s industrial transformation.