Families and casual walkers have a wonderful new option for exploring the Peak District. The 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail includes several sections that are perfect for those with young children, old dogs, or anyone simply seeking a gentle, level stroll.
While the full trail includes challenging moorland hikes, it has been designed with “something for everyone.” The 14 rail-linked sections include flat, easy-going canal and riverside walks. These paths are ideal for a relaxed weekend amble, away from traffic and steep climbs.
A great example is the section along the Peak Forest Tramway Trail. This historic route, once used by horse-drawn carts, is now a wide, level path perfect for little legs. Likewise, the mellow, pastoral walk along the River Goyt offers beautiful scenery without any strenuous effort.
The trail’s design makes it incredibly family-friendly. You can take a train to a small village station, enjoy a walk of a few miles, perhaps stopping at a cafe or pub, and then catch a train back. This removes the stress of long-distance trekking and makes the countryside accessible to all.
These easy-access sections are still packed with interest, from the historic Bugsworth Basin to the pretty Mousley Bottom nature reserve. It’s a fantastic, free, and healthy way for the whole family to discover the history and nature of the Peak District.
