Accessible local routes:
New Mills and its surrounding area is very hilly – we love this, the views are stunning – but it does make access to some parts of the area more difficult for those with disabilities and for families with pushchairs.
Sett Valley Trail – Approximately 3 miles, this former railway line is a long flat walk and cycle route between New Mills and Hayfield and was made accessible by grants some years ago.
Most Motorised Mobility scooters can tackle it all – the only difficult section is Lower Rock Street beside the Torr Top Car Park in New Mills – it is cobbled and quite steep.
The Derbyshire Countryside Rangers at the Hayfield car park end of the Sett Valley Trail have a special heavy duty scooter that can be hired Telephone no 01663 746222. The 3 mile trail is good for children to cycle along, but do be aware it does cross a couple of roads, via gates at Church Lane, High Hill Road and at Spinnerbottom in Birch Vale.
En route/nearby:
Printers Pub – just off the trail in Thornsett has play equipment
Sycamore Pub – on the road from Thornsett to to rejoin the trail at Spinnerbottom
Good food in cafes and pubs in New Mills into a pragraph, see businesslisting links etc
Amble to Brookbottom:
Riders of Mobility Scooters and Cycles can join their walking friends for a stroll ‘along the high road’ to Brookbottom.
From the Town Centre – Leaving Market Street and going past the bus station – On the right you can see St Mary’s Road, you can walk up the road or alternatively walk up through the park – but if you are with children that may take a while! At the cross roads – Turn left along High Lea Road and on up the hill with fantastic views up the Goyt valley towards Whaley Bridge, Coombs and the hills round Buxton. Swizzels sweet factory (of Love Hearts fame) can be seen across the valley.
The hills sweeping round to the right lead towards Disley and Lyme Keep can be seen as you follow the road along the hillside. Lyme Keep or Lyme Cage was once a hunting lodge and onetime prison, it sits on a hilltop in the grounds of Lyme Park (National Trust) which is worth a visit. *
There are various paths on the hillside above the road for the energetic. Lark Hill, as it is called, is steep and on a summers day the larks can be heard singing, specks in the sky above you. There is a pub in Brookbottom called the Fox Inn, much appreciated by thirsty walkers