Steel Cotton Rail Trail: Hope to Edale | 7 Miles
Created to follow the rail line between Sheffield and Manchester, the Steel Cotton Rail Trail lets you explore the Peak District one station-to-station section at a time. The walk from Hope to Edale is one of the prettiest stretches, with wide-open views of the Hope Valley, a scenic wander up Jaggers Clough, and a picture-perfect finish in Edale village, surrounded by hills and classic stone cottages.
This post came about after a lovely invite from the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership, who asked me to help spread the word about their new walking trail. I wasn’t paid to do this – I just thought it was a great idea worth sharing.
Walk Highlights
Hope Valley Views
This section has some of the best wide-open views of the whole trail. You’ll look back across the valley towards Win Hill and Lose Hill, with rolling fields and stone walls stretching out below.
Edale Village
Edale makes a perfect finish – it’s small, picturesque and full of character. Grab a drink at the pub, call in at the café, or just enjoy the view of Kinder looming above the village.
Jaggers Clough
The route takes you along Jaggers Clough, an old packhorse route leading up from the river.
You can find the whole trail details here: Steel Cotton Rail Trail
Steel Cotton Rail Trail: Hope to Edale
Walk Details: Hope to Edale Leaflet
Walk Map (Opens in OS Maps): Steel Cotton Rail Trail: Hope to Edale
Parking: Hope Station, Station Road, Hope, Derbyshire, S33 6RDW3W:///witty.tilts.random
Dogs: Allowed, but must be on a short lead during nesting season and around livestock.
Facilities: Public toilets are in Edale (or 1km walk from Hope station). The route passes a couple of pubs, The Cheshire Cheese and the Ramblers Inn.
Walk Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: ▲▲
Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6km)
Elevation: 1175ft (358m)
Trig Points Bagged: None
Peak District Peaks Bagged: None
Peak District Ethels Bagged: None
Check out the main Steel Cotton Rail Trail page for all the stages.
