From ‘Canal Mania’ to ‘Rail Trails’: A New Peak District Walk

The new 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail is a journey through the transport revolutions that shaped the Peak District. This 14-section route, bookended by rail termini in Sheffield and Manchester, follows the arteries of industry, both old and new.
A highlight of the trail is its dive into the “canal mania” of the late 1790s. Walkers can explore Bugsworth Basin, the only intact inland port from that era. This stunningly preserved site was once a bustling hub, where limestone was loaded onto 2,000 canal boats a year, representing the “faster” logistics of its day.
The trail also follows the 1796 Peak Forest Tramway, a route powered by horses and gravity. This historical path, now a level walking trail, shows the ingenuity used to move heavy materials like limestone and coal from the quarries and mines to the canals and cities.
Today, the trail is defined by a new transport link: the railway. The entire route is split into 14 day-walks, each starting and ending at a station on the Hope Valley Line. This modern “rail trail” design makes it incredibly accessible, allowing walkers to explore this rich history without a car.
From horse-drawn trams and canal boats to modern commuter trains, this trail is a story of transport. It’s a fascinating walk through a post-industrial landscape, offering beautiful scenery and a deep dive into the heritage of the region.