New Trail Celebrates the ‘Work and Wilderness’ of the Peaks

A new 62-mile walking trail is challenging the idea of a “pristine” countryside, instead celebrating the “post-industrial” landscape where “work and wilderness rub along.” The Steel Cotton Rail Trail, linking Manchester and Sheffield, offers a uniquely authentic view of the Peak District.
Unlike trails that seek the illusion of “real nature,” this route is close to conurbations and embraces its industrial heritage. Walkers will pass light industrial units, working factories, and the hum of traffic, all just “beyond the curtain of trees.”
This 14-section trail is a journey through this blended landscape. It follows the 1796 Peak Forest Tramway, a former industrial artery, and visits Mousley Bottom, a pretty nature reserve that was once a landfill site and sewage works. It’s a story of reclamation and coexistence.
The route is designed for “ambling” and “ruminating.” Walkers can appreciate the history of limestone quarries and textile mills while also enjoying the “golds, reds and ochres” of autumn leaf litter. It’s a path for those who find beauty in the reality of the working countryside.
This new, rail-linked trail is a refreshing and honest take on outdoor recreation. It’s a perfect way to explore the fascinating, complex, and beautiful region between two of England’s great industrial cities.