Make the most of the short days with a train journey out to the Peak District. Low light casts long shadows across the landscape and stark silhouettes of bare trees contrast with pale skies. A countryside walk at this time of year will blow away the cobwebs and work up an appetite for everything on offer at the many cosy pubs and cafes close to stations.
Leave the car behind, save the planet and hop on a train!
Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton line
Disley station is on the edge of National Trust’s Lyme Park, with a variety of woodland and moorland routes. Disley is also close to the Peak Forest canal, where you can wander along the canalside path. Plus, right next to the station you’ll find the brilliant Bohemian Bus Café, featured in the Manchester Evening News. The bus café is open Thursdays-Sundays and you can check times and menus on their website here: https://www.bohemianbuscafe.co.uk/
Whaley Bridge is the gateway to the Goyt Valley- check the information outside the station (take a photo), download the walks leaflet and enjoy exploring the local area. Directly across the main road from Whaley Bridge station is the famous Bridge Bakehouse – it’s a tiny bakery serving great coffee, fabulous bakes and all manner of sandwiches. Outdoor heaters and blankets make your alfresco café experience cosy and comfortable. Or you can take your treats and stroll along the Peak Forest canal to admire the colourful narrowboats.
Hope Valley Line, Manchester Piccadilly-Sheffield
From Grindleford station explore Padley Gorge, cloaked in ancient oak woodland, with twisted trees straight out of a fairytale. Follow Burbage Brook uphill to reach panoramic moorland views. The Grindleford Station Café is the perfect walker’s stop for chip butties and big mugs of tea.
Enjoy a meandering walk along the River Derwent from Hathersage station and for a cultural stop why not take a look at the contemporary design and unique architecture at the David Mellor Design Museum? The cafe offers good quality, local produce, and looks out to Michael Hopkin’s Round Building. David Mellor’s design Museum, shop and cafe sits just 5 minutes’ walk from the station.
Hop off the train at Edale station and you’ll see the Penny Pot café on your way into the village. A great place for refreshments before and after your walk. From Edale station you can venture up onto Mam Tor for spectacular views of both the Edale and Hope valleys. In the centre of the village you’ll find the start of the Pennine Way close to Newfold Farm Cafe where you can stop on your way up the hill and on your way back down for fresh coffee, teas, cakes and sandwiches.
Manchester Piccadilly to Glossop Line
Right outside Hadfield station you’ll see a map of the area, including Longdendale reservoir on the doorstep and the easy to follow Hadfield and Padfield Heritage Trail. Simply take a photo and off you go! Edwards Wine Bar at the station awaits your return with a great food and drink offer and a warm and friendly place to relax. Open all day, with early closing on Thursdays.
Glossop station sits at the heart of this busy High Peak town. Grab a coffee to go from the station café Twig and here’s a walk to try, taking you up onto Mill Hill on the edge of the Kinder plateau, starting from the station. Of course, the cosy station café will still be there when you return, so you can reward yourself with great coffee and some delicious cake before catching your train.
