Walkers in the North have gained a vital new connection in their trail network. The recently launched Steel Cotton Rail Trail creates a 62-mile (100km) pathway that directly links Manchester’s 200-mile orbital GM Ringway to the city of Sheffield.
This new trail is a significant development, creating a seamless, interconnected system for long-distance hikers. Walkers can now transition from the Manchester-centric GM Ringway onto a 14-section, “rail-pegged” route that cuts through the heart of the Peak District.
The Steel Cotton Rail Trail is designed for maximum accessibility. Its 14 day-length sections all start and end at train stations, making it easy to tackle in stages. This convenience is a huge draw for those exploring the wider network.
The trail itself is a “post-industrial” journey, offering a mix of urban exploration, rugged moorland climbs, and gentle canal-side walks. It’s a route rich in history, from 18th-century tramways to reclaimed nature reserves.
This new, well-marked path is a welcome addition, inviting Mancunians to extend their walks beyond the orbital path and tempting Sheffielders with a new, varied route right to their doorstep.
