How to Navigate the New 62-Mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail

Planning to walk the new 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail? Navigation is straightforward. The entire route, which links Manchester and Sheffield, is now “waymarking complete,” with stickers to show you’re on the right track.
For those who prefer a map, the trail’s official website provides “handy pdf maps” that you can print out. These are perfect for those who want to “spend the day looking phone-ward.”
If you do prefer digital navigation, “GPX files are available” for download. These can be loaded onto your smartphone or GPS device, ensuring you can follow the 14-section route with pinpoint accuracy.
The trail’s “rail-pegged” design also simplifies navigation. Each of the 14 day-length sections is a simple point-to-point walk between two train stations, so your start and end points are always clear.
This well-supported and well-marked trail is ready for explorers. It’s an accessible way to discover the “post-industrial” heritage and “eye-calming” beauty of the Peak District, from its level tramways to its high, misty moors.