DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE

AND THE

PEAK DISTRICT

TORRS RIVERSIDE PARK

 NEW MILLS

The Torrs Riverside Park provides access to a dramatic gorge and an area of stunning natural beauty. The Park also contains the remains of what was an important industrial area, with the elegant Millennium Walkway winding its way for 125 yards through the gorge, providing the missing link in the Midshires Way. A 225 miles route from the Trans Pennine Trail in Stockport to the Ridgeway in Buckinghamshire.

Following massive reclamation work the 'Park under the town' has taken over land left derelict by industry and now extends for two miles along the Goyt Valley. Trees have been planted, ponds created and easy access paths have been formed. At the southern end of the park, the 25 acre Goytside Meadows Nature Reserve is open to the public.

The Torrs was an ideal place, for spinning and weaving driven by waterpower, at the time the Industrial Revolution swept the country. Set in a natural gorge New Mills had the joint waterpower of the Rivers Sett and Goyt. Rocky waterfalls and cascades allowed the construction of weirs to provide a controlled supply of water. The ledges along the riverbank, above the flood water level, were ideal to build on. The sandstone rocks at the side of the gorge meant the builders did not have to go far for their materials.  

The main problem for the mills set in the Torrs Gorge, was accessibility with narrow steep roads that put it at a disadvantage when steam power started to replace water. The next generation of mills were built on high ground on the other side of the gorge at Newtown, alongside the Peak Forest Canal and close to the railway station. The canal is now only used for recreational purposes and has a busy marina at Newtown. However, a railway service still operates from the station between Buxton and Manchester. 

In 1884, the problem of access between New Mills and Newtown, on opposite sides of the gorge was solved with the building of the mighty Union Road Bridge, one of the highest road bridges in this part of the country. Despite this, it hardly seems as if you are crossing a bridge, because the high parapets hide the view of the gorge. 

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TORRS RIVERSIDE PARK NEW MILLS

Spectacular New Mills! But many people who drive through the town by car are completely unaware of the secret beauty that lies below. The Torrs Riverside Park provides access to a dramatic gorge and an area of stunning natural beauty. The Park also contains the remains of what was an important industrial area, with the elegant Millennium Walkway winding its way for 125 yards through the gorge, high up among the canopy of trees. 

NEW MILLS HERITAGE CENTRE

The Heritage Centre (Tel. 01663 746904)  is housed in a converted stone building of great character and tells ‘The New Mills Story’ with the aid of a magnificent model of the town as it was in 1884. There is a viewing platform outside looking down over The Torrs gorge. A small café serves mainly drinks and biscuits and in the shop maps, guides and gifts are sold. Open Wednesday - Friday from 11am - 4pm; Saturday - Sunday, 10.30am - 4.30pm (4pm in winter). Closed Mondays (Open Bank Holidays).

NEW MILLS FEATURE

Spectacular New Mills! But many people who drive through the town by car are completely unaware of the secret beauty that lies below. The Torrs Riverside Park provides access to a dramatic gorge and an area of stunning natural beauty.  

New Mills Feature

THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE

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