The Steel Cotton Rail Trail

In the first half of the 20th Century, Sheffield’s steel workers and Manchester’s cotton mill workers escaped their polluted cities to reach the clean air of the Peak District. They travelled by train on the Hope Valley line. Today the Peak District National Park exists for all of us to benefit from and the Hope Valley line still runs between the Steel and Cotton cities.

Thread your way along the Steel Cotton Rail Trail across the Peak District, from city to city and station to station.

Walk over the hills and down into the majestic sweep of the Hope Valley, alongside Manchester’s canals, through woodland and meadows. Discover fascinating heritage highlights along the way on this route through the industrial past.

Our walks take advantage of the Northern Railway. We start and finish at a train station, meaning you can travel however you wish. Drive to the start and catch the train back. Take the train from Sheffield or Manchester, walk and then train home. Park at the end and take a train to the start. Its entirely up to, the trains are dog friendly and reasonably priced.

Please be aware that these walks are linear and use of the train is essential. Tickets are not included in the price.

The Steel Cotton Rail Trail - Visit the Peak District by train 

What to Expect

Thread your way along the Peninne Way up to the stunning Kinder Scout, take in the views from one of the highest points in the whole of the Peak followed by a lovely walk down into Chinley. The views are big and we'll be following historic footsteps of pack horses and Jaggers. Bring a packed lunch, plenty of coffee and dog treats!

Kinder Scout is the highest plateau in the area it is common to experience all weathers in one day. It is very exposed so bring plenty of layers, waterproofs and suncream. The way up Jacobs Ladder is steep but the rest is downhill. Be aware of uneven ground underfoot. We'll be mostly following tracks, well walked and paved paths with some field walking at the end.

What to Expect

This peaceful route takes you along woodland paths, through quiet valleys, and past historic railway landmarks. Expect gentle climbs, sweeping views, and the calming sounds of nature all around. Along the way, you’ll spot old stone bridges, tunnels, and maybe even a glimpse of local wildlife. It’s a relaxing, scenic walk that finishes in the charming village of Grindleford, perfect for a well-earned café stop or a paddle in the river. 

We will intially be walking through Dore & Totley, along riverside and woodland paths. There will be some pavement pounding close to the tracks initally before a gradual rise brings us out of the city and into the Peak District National Park. We should be on farm tracks through open access land, so exposed to the elemets but always with a path under foot. This can be uneven and rocky. We cross a couple of roads and mount a few stiles. There is a steep descent into Grindleford through the edge of Padley Gorge wood. This can get slippy when wet.