A new 62-mile trail connecting Manchester and Sheffield is proving that long-distance paths aren’t just for moorland hikers. The Steel Cotton Rail Trail actively embraces its urban bookends, offering fascinating “metropolitan mooches” for urban explorers.
The 14-section trail, which links the two cities via the Peak District, starts and finishes in the urban landscapes that gave it its name: the “Steel City” of Sheffield and the “Cottonopolis” of Manchester. These sections delve into the industrial heritage and modern vibrancy of these northern powerhouses.
This focus on the “post-industrial” character is a theme throughout. The route doesn’t just flee the city; it explores the complex relationship between the conurbations and the countryside. Walkers will pass light industrial units and working factories, witnessing how “work and wilderness” coexist in this region.
This trail is perfect for city dwellers looking for an accessible escape. It’s linked entirely by railway stations, meaning you can be out of the city and onto a green path or a historic tramway in under an hour. It also connects directly to Manchester’s 200-mile orbital GM Ringway, integrating it into the city’s walking network.
Whether you’re exploring the urban heritage at its ends or the green valleys in its middle, this new trail is a fantastic way to understand the story of the North. It’s an invitation to explore the history and nature that sits right on the doorstep of two major cities.