Dramatic Gorges and Steel Walkways: Discover New Mills

The new 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail is drawing walkers to one of the Peak District’s most dramatic and surprising towns: New Mills. This stop on the 14-section route is a “constellation of magnificent bridges and stone viaducts,” offering a thrilling break from quiet, pastoral paths.
As the trail, which links Manchester and Sheffield, enters New Mills, walkers will find themselves in a town built around vertiginous gorges and fast-flowing water. It’s a stunning example of how industry and nature have clashed and combined in a spectacular setting.
A highlight of this section is the sweeping steel Millennium Walkway. This impressive piece of engineering allows walkers to traverse the gorge, offering fantastic views of the river below and the surrounding industrial architecture. The town is also home to the oldest community-owned hydro scheme in the land.
Near the town, the trail passes Torr Vale Mill, which was the UK’s longest-running textile mill up until its closure in 2000. This is just one of the many historical layers walkers can uncover in this fascinating “post-industrial” hub.
The rail-linked trail makes it easy to visit New Mills as a day trip. After exploring the gorges, bridges, and the lovely llamas in a local paddock, walkers can enjoy the town’s many food and drink options before continuing their journey or hopping on a train.