11k Run New Mills: River, Canal and Brook Scenic Adventure

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 10.8km loop explores the hidden gems of the Goyt Valley, offering a diverse mix of terrain that keeps every mile interesting. Starting from New Mills, runners will navigate a blend of smooth canal towpaths along the Peak Forest Canal, rugged riverside tracks, and quiet tarmac lanes. With 155m of ascent, the route is predominantly flat as you trace the water's edge, but it packs a punch with a significant road climb from Hague Bar. The technical variety—ranging from earthy woodland paths to the grassy descents near Brookbottom—makes this a perfect mid-distance challenge for those looking to transition from road to light trail running.

New Mills is a town steeped in industrial heritage, famously perched above the dramatic Torrs Gorge where the River Goyt and River Sett meet. As you run this circuit, you are crossing through the historical heart of the High Peak’s textile industry, evidenced by the towering stone mills and the Victorian engineering of the canal system. The passage through the quiet hamlet of Brookbottom offers a glimpse of rural Derbyshire life, providing a peaceful contrast to the impressive viaducts and railway architecture that define the local landscape. It is a route that perfectly captures the "Deep Lancashire" and Peak District border aesthetic.