New Trail Highlights ‘Hidden Gem’ Towns of the Peak District

The new 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail is set to bring walkers to the “hidden gem” towns and villages of the Peak District, thanks to its clever rail-linked design. This 14-section route from Manchester to Sheffield shines a light on areas beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Walkers are encouraged to alight at small, “smartish-looking” villages like Chinley, or explore hubs like New Mills, which is a “dramatic constellation” of viaducts, gorges, and a sweeping steel Millennium Walkway. The trail also passes near Furness Vale, offering alternative rail options.
The route guides adventurers through a “post-industrial” landscape, past rural pubs in tiny hamlets like Brookbottom, and along historic arteries like the Peak Forest Tramway. It’s a way to discover the “eye-calming” landscapes that are “close to conurbations” but often missed.
The 14 day-length sections are all linked by train stations, making it easy to plan a day trip to one of these charming locations. The trail is fully waymarked and supported by online maps, so navigation is simple.
This new path is a fantastic way to explore the “lesser-known” side of the Peak District. It’s an invitation to discover the rich history, dramatic engineering, and quiet beauty of the towns and villages between “Steel City” and “Cottonopolis.”