The Steel Cotton Rail Trail, a new long-distance walking route which links railway stations in Sheffield to Manchester via the Hope Valley train line, has been launched.

The 62-mile route is divided into14 sections, and uses the stops on the Hope Valley Line as start and finish points. With stages ranging from 2.2 to 8 miles in length, the trail offers walkers the chance to “walk over the hills and down into the majestic sweep of the Hope Valley, alongside Manchester’s canals, through woodland and meadows” with the option to “always stop at the next station, and catch a train back home.”

Created by the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership, and the South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership, the trail’s name was inspired by the steel workers of Sheffield, and the cotton mill workers of Manchester, who used the railways to escape from their respective cities and enjoy the beauty of the Peak District countryside.

Phil Mulligan, CEO of Peak District National Park, said: “The Steel Cotton Rail Trail is a wonderful example of how history, community and the natural environment come together in the Peak District. This new station-to-station route not only celebrates the legacy of those who once sought fresh air and green space here, but also offers today’s visitors a sustainable way to explore and connect with the landscapes at the heart of Britain’s first National Park. As we approach the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, it feels fitting that this trail highlights how rail continues to provide a gateway to the Peak District for all.”

Helen Wright, from the High Peak and Hope Valley CRP, said: “We are so pleased to be able to bring this project to life. The route follows existing tracks, paths and trails through beautiful countryside, and will hopefully encourage lots of people to visit the Peak District by train and leave their cars at home.”

Paul Webster, Community Rail Network Regions Support Manager, said: “The new long-distance Steel Cotton Rail Trail links together the stunning walking destinations throughout the very beautiful High Peak and Hope Valley areas and is all reachable from cities at either end of the line. We are proud to have been part of this project.”

You can find out more about the Steel Cotton Rail Trail, and download individual stage maps, here.

Supporters and funders of the trail include Sheffield City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Peak District National Park, National Trust, Canal and River Trust, Tameside MBC, Stockport MBC and Manchester City Council.