Long-distance trails aren’t just about remote wilderness. The new 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail proves this by offering fantastic sections for “urban explorers,” with “metropolitan mooches” at its Manchester and Sheffield bookends.
This 14-section route, which crosses the Peak District, deliberately “brings together elements of the land and the heritage.” It starts and ends in the two great northern cities that give it its name: “Cottonopolis” and “Steel City.”
These urban sections delve into the “post-industrial” story of the region. Walkers can explore the conurbations and see how they connect to the countryside that fed their industries with limestone, coal, and water power.
The trail’s design makes it perfect for city dwellers. It links directly to Manchester’s 200-mile GM Ringway, and its “rail-pegged” sections mean you can easily hop on a train for a day of either urban or rural exploration.
This new, well-marked path is ideal for those who love to mix cityscapes with green valleys. It’s a celebration of the North’s unique blend of industry and nature, from its urban heart to its wild moors.
