Discover Greater Manchester by Rail, Trail and Bee Network
Some of the best adventures start the moment you step off the train. As part of our Tracks and Trails campaign, sponsored by Transport for Greater Manchester, we’re showcasing how you can discover Greater Manchester by rail, trail and Bee Network, with seamless connections to walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities across the region.
By combining train travel with active travel, visitors can experience the region in a more sustainable way, discovering everything from vibrant towns and industrial heritage to canals, countryside and wildlife-rich landscapes. The Bee Network makes it easy to leave the car behind and enjoy a greener, healthier day out, linking rail services with an expanding network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes. Across Greater Manchester, many railway stations are more than just places to begin a journey. Supported by dedicated community rail partnerships and station friends groups, they provide welcoming gateways to local attractions, trails and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
From station to adventure
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed waterside stroll, an accessible wheeling route, a family cycle ride or a longer-distance walking challenge, there are countless opportunities to continue your journey beyond the station.
Many Bee Network routes begin within easy reach of local railway stations, allowing you to travel sustainably and explore at your own pace. See some of our suggestions below.
Marple Station and the Peak Forest Canal
Located on the scenic route between Manchester and New Mills, Marple Station is the perfect starting point for exploring the spectacular Marple Locks and the Peak Forest Canal. Enjoy waterside walks, local cafés and green open spaces while taking in one of the most impressive lock flights in Britain. Visitors arriving by train can also see the fantastic work of the Friends of Marple Station, whose volunteers help create a welcoming and attractive station environment that reflects the pride of the local community.
Greenfield Station and Saddleworth
On the famous route across the Pennines, Greenfield Station provides easy access to the beautiful landscapes of Saddleworth. From gentle reservoir walks to more challenging moorland routes, there’s something for every level of explorer. The station is an ideal gateway to the dramatic scenery of the South Pennines, offering visitors the chance to combine a scenic rail journey with unforgettable countryside experiences.
Hadfield Station and the Longdendale Trail
At the end of the Glossop Line, Hadfield Station offers direct access to the popular Longdendale Trail, a traffic-free route suitable for walkers, wheelers and cyclists. Following the path of a former railway through reservoirs and stunning Peak District landscapes, the trail provides a perfect example of how historic transport corridors continue to connect people with nature and the outdoors.
Scenic rail journeys that connect with the Bee Network
Manchester to Glossop Line
One of Scenic Rail Britain’s featured routes, the Glossop Line links the city with the western edge of the Peak District. Stations along the line provide access to a variety of walking and cycling opportunities, allowing visitors to explore without the hassle of traffic or parking.
Calder Valley Line
Serving stations including Rochdale and Littleborough, the Calder Valley Line connects travellers with canal-side walks, nature reserves and sweeping Pennine landscapes. It’s an excellent route for those looking to combine a scenic rail journey with time outdoors.
Delamere Railway Station along the Mid Cheshire Line.
Mid Cheshire Line
The Mid Cheshire Line links Manchester with attractive market towns and countryside destinations, offering opportunities to discover green corridors, local heritage and quieter cycling and walking routes connected to the wider Bee Network.
Travel greener, discover more
Travelling by train opens up a wealth of opportunities beyond the station. Together, rail travel and the Bee Network make it easier to explore Greater Manchester sustainably while supporting local communities, reducing congestion and helping visitors discover places they might otherwise miss. So whether you’re seeking peaceful canal-side walks, family-friendly cycling routes or spectacular countryside adventures, let the train take you there and discover where the tracks can lead to the trails.
Looking for more ideas? Explore GM Walking’s Green Trails, which connect parks, waterways, heritage sites and local communities across Greater Manchester. Many routes are easily accessible by rail, making them perfect for a sustainable day out combining train travel, walking and the Bee Network.
