A brand-new collection of walks starting and ending at Chapel-en-le-Frith railway station has been launched by the Friends of Chapel-en-le-Frith Station, giving visitors and locals new ways to explore the town and surrounding countryside by train. 

The new booklet features seven walks of varying lengths and difficulty levels, with something suitable for all ages and abilities. Routes include everything from gentle walks around Combs Reservoir to more challenging routes into the hills surrounding the town, as well as trails exploring the rich history and heritage of Chapel-en-le-Frith itself. 

Easy to reach by rail from Stockport and Manchester, the walks aim to encourage more people to discover the area without needing to travel by car. 

To celebrate the launch, a group of 20 walkers took part in the first route in the collection – the Town Trail. The walk explored the woods and quiet lanes surrounding the station, passing historic lodges and railway bridges before heading into the town centre. 

Along the way, walkers visited a number of local landmarks, including the locally known “Tramps Garden”, named after the people who would once wait there before being admitted to the nearby workhouse for the night. The route also included a stop at St Thomas Becket Church. 

Copies of the walking booklet are available from Chapel-en-le-Frith station and are also being distributed across the region, including at Manchester Central Library. 

For those looking for a new walking adventure accessible by rail, the new Chapel walks offer plenty of opportunities to explore the Peak District at your own pace.