EASY WALK NEAR MANCHESTER: MILLENIUM WALKWAY
This stunning Peak District walk hovers above a huge natural gorge
Start: New Mills Train Station, High Peak, SK22 3JB
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 175 feet
Duration: Less than 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
Looking for an easy yet jaw-dropping walk near Manchester? This 4-mile circular route through New Mills and the dramatic Millennium Walkway offers a perfect mix of industrial history and natural beauty. With minimal elevation and well-maintained paths, it's a great option for those seeking a relaxing yet visually stunning escape.
The walk takes you through The Torrs Riverside Park, past the spectacular Millennium Walkway, and along the Sett Valley Trail. With easy transport links and a great selection of cafés and pubs in New Mills, it’s perfect for your next gentle stroll.
Route difficulty
Walk type: Easy with minimal elevation gain.
Terrain: Well-defined paths, mostly flat.
Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Route highlights
The Torrs Millennium Walkway
This unique 175-yard aerial walkway is suspended over the River Goyt, hugging the rock face of the dramatic Torrs Gorge. Originally impassable, the walkway was built at the turn of the millennium and is nicknamed the ‘steel spider’s web’ for its striking design.
The Torrs Riverside Park
Known locally as ‘the park under the town,’ this stunning gorge is home to remnants of New Mills’ industrial past. Old mill ruins, rushing weirs, and the convergence of the River Goyt and River Sett make for a striking backdrop.
Sett Valley Trail
Following an old railway line, this scenic and flat path stretches between New Mills and Hayfield, offering beautiful Peak District views.
New Mills Heritage Centre
A great stop for those interested in the town’s industrial history. The centre provides maps, information, and exhibits about New Mills' past, including the Kinder Mass Trespass.
Local Cafés & Pubs
After the walk, stop for a bite to eat in one of New Mills’ many independent cafés. The Sett Valley Café (a little further along the Sett Valley Trail) is a great option for homemade and vegan treats, while the Pride of the Peaks pub offers hearty meals and local ales.
Is this route for me?
This walk is perfect for families, beginners, and those looking for a scenic yet easygoing route.
Options to extend the route: sunset walk to Mellor Cross
Start: New Mills Station
Distance: 4.72 miles
Elevation: 750 feet
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate, some uneven terrain
Navigation: Follow along on komoot or download GPX file
Mellor Cross, perched on Cobden Edge, is a spectacular sunset viewpoint near Manchester. The short but rewarding extension from New Mills leads you through open countryside to this peaceful spot, offering uninterrupted views over the Peak District and beyond.
If you want to extend the route further, you can continue towards the Roman Lakes and Mellor Mill ruins for more historical interest and scenic walking trails before looping back to New Mills.
Getting to the starting point
By Car:
You’ll find plenty of parking available in New Mills town centre. We parked at Market Street Carpark (SK22 4AA). Parking costs approximately £2 for 4 hours.
By Public Transport:
New Mills is easily accessible by train, with direct services from Manchester.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: Easy with minimal elevation, moderate if extending to Mellor Cross.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; boots recommended if heading to Mellor Cross.
Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads near wildlife.
Food & Drink: Plenty of cafés and pubs in New Mills, including the Sett Valley Café and Pride of the Peaks.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow the flatter walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
