Walkers on the new 62-mile Steel Cotton Rail Trail are in for a seasonal treat. This autumn has been a “mast year,” resulting in an abundance of fruit and nuts, and this new path is the perfect place to experience it.
As walkers set out on sections like the Peak Forest Tramway Trail, they will hear the “loud crunch of dry acorns and beech nuts” under their boots. This sensory detail adds to the “magical” mood of the season, with the “golds, reds and ochres” of leaf litter blurring the ground.
The trail, which is split into 14 day-length, rail-linked sections, is ideal for an autumn amble. The route winds through woodlands and along riverbanks, offering a full immersion in the season. The northern autumn “mizzle and mist” only enhances the atmosphere.
The trail’s variety allows walkers to choose their perfect autumn day. Whether it’s a level walk to enjoy the woodland floor or a climb to a viewpoint to see the mist-filled valleys, the route provides. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the “glow of dead leaves all around.”
This new, well-marked trail between Manchester and Sheffield is a timely addition for the season. It’s an invitation to enjoy the natural bounty and beautiful, “eye-calming” landscapes of the Peak District.