A new waymarked railway station to railway station walking route from Sheffield to Manchester.
The inspiration for the route is the ‘great escape’ that the steelworkers of Sheffield and the cotton mill workers of Manchester took at weekends to free themselves of the factories and smog and escape in to the countryside of the Peak District for recreation.
The accessibility of the moors and hills by train for the working classes of these two great Northern cities inspired a passion for rambling and adventuring – and a commitment to work to protect access for all to the countryside hereabouts – that still resonates today.
A brilliant idea realised by the Peak District National Park and High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership.
Two thoughts …
- How about a discounted Steel Cotton Trail ticket that was valid for eg a year and allowed people the chance to complete the walk in stages at an affordable rate ?
- I can’t help but think that the chap that started all this escape from the smog and get yersel’ out rambling malarkey, is looking down with a smile on his face. I think G H B ‘Bert’ Ward would be reet proud 🥾🎒👍