New 62-Mile Trail is Perfect for an Autumn Amble

Walkers looking for the perfect autumn amble need look no further than the newly launched Steel Cotton Rail Trail. This 62-mile (100km) route through the Peak District is described as “almost perfect” for capturing the many moods of the magical autumn season.
The 14 day-length sections offer a variety of classic northern autumn experiences. One day, you might be walking in low clouds and mizzle, with the world filtered in grey except for the glow of dead leaves. The next, the mist might burn off to reveal sudden, big views from a high, grassy lane.
The trail is a feast for the senses in autumn. This has been a “mast year,” meaning the trees are heavy with fruit and nuts. Walkers will hear the loud crunch of dry acorns and beech nuts underfoot as they stroll along woodland paths and the historic Peak Forest Tramway.
The rail-linked sections make it easy to plan a day out. Visitors can choose a walk based on the weather or their mood—whether they want the golden leaf litter of the riverside or the misty expanse of the moors. The route passes charming villages and rural pubs, perfect for a rest stop.
From the pastoral beauty of the River Goyt to the dramatic gorges of New Mills, this new, well-marked trail is a fantastic way to enjoy the “golds, reds and ochres” of the season, all just a short train ride from Manchester or Sheffield.