Step back to 1796 on the new Steel Cotton Rail Trail, a 62-mile route that incorporates a long, level section of the historic Peak Forest Tramway. This former industrial artery is now a peaceful walking path, offering a fascinating, easy-going day out.
The tramway, which operated for over 120 years, was a marvel of its time. It was serviced by “horse and gravity-powered vehicles” and was essential for transporting the region’s vast quantities of quarried limestone to the canals and cities.
This section of the new trail, which links Manchester and Sheffield, is a “post-industrial” delight. As you walk the wide, flat path, you’ll be shaded by trees and hear the “crunch of dry acorns and beech nuts,” all while following a key piece of Victorian Britain’s infrastructure.
This historic leg is just one of 14 day-friendly, rail-linked sections. It’s a perfect introduction to the trail’s theme of “work and wilderness,” showing how nature has reclaimed these industrial routes.
This new, well-marked trail is a must for history lovers and casual walkers. It’s an accessible way to walk through the heart of the industrial revolution, enjoying the “eye-calming” scenery of the Peak District.