Sett Valley Trail
This splendid cycling and walking trail runs through the beautiful Sett Valley in the Peak District. The route follows a disused railway line from New Mills to Hayfield via Birch Vale. It's a good surfaced path which provides a fairly easy ride for families. Along the way there's fantastic views of the River Sett, the pretty reservoir at Birch Vale, the Blubell Wood nature Reserve and the surrounding Peak District countryside and hills. The route finishes at the former Hayfield Station where there are good facilities including a cafe and visitor centre. Please note that West of St Georges Road in New Mills the route is unsuitable for cyclists.
If you would like to continue your walking in the area then you could visit the wonderful Torrs Riverside Park and Millennium Way in New Mills. In the park you will find a beautiful river gorge with a fabulous 160 metre long walkway elevated over the water. You could also pick up the Goyt Way which runs along the River Goyt and thePeak Forest Canal to the nearby Whaley Bridge.
Postcode
SK22 1BP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsSett Valley Trail Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Sett Valley Trail Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Sett Valley Trail OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Sett Valley Trail Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
After your walk we recommend heading to the appropriately named Lantern Pike Inn in Hayfield. The interesting old pub dates from 1792, and has a very good menu. There's also a nice outdoor seating area where you can relax outside and enjoy views of the surrounding hills. You can find the pub in the village on 45 Glossop Rd, Little Hayfield with postcode SK222NG for your sat navs. The pub is dog friendly and also does accommodation so you can stay over here if you need to.
Part way along the route at Birch Vale there's The Sett Valley Cafe. The colourful and friendly cafe is very welcoming to walkers and cyclists on the trail. They serve some fine lunches and delicious cakes here. You can find them at postcode SK22 1BP.
Dog Walking
The trail is ideal for an easy walk with your dog so you'll probably see other owners on a fine day. The Lantern Pike Inn and the Sett Valley Cafe mentioned above are also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The climb to Lantern Pike can be easily accessed from the trail by following the Pennine Bridleway north from Birch Vale. You can use both trails to climb to the splendid viewpoint from Hayfield on our circular walk. See the video below for an idea of the scenery you can expect to see on the trail.
In New Mills there's the excellent Torrs Riverside Park and Millennium Way to visit. The park is a major highlight of the area and includes a beautiful river gorge with a wonderful elevated walkway over the river.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Peak District Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Looking east along the Sett Valley Trail from Wilkes' Crossing.
Countryside view from the picnic area on the trail.
Reservoir with island. Located between the River Sett and the trail.
A lone horseman heads towards New Mills on a cold and frosty morn.
Gate at the Hayfield end of the trail
Splash of colour in the wildflower meadow near the reservoir.
Wildes Crossing Cottage. A former level crossing cottage on this recreational route between New Mills and Hayfield.
Thornsett road, justr off the trail near New Mills.