New Mills lies where the rivers Sett and Goyt join to become one
of the principal tributaries of the River Mersey. The rivers flow
through the town in a spectacular gorge, the Torrs, home to the
Millennium Walkway. The Peak Forest Canal also passes through the
town with a well established marina at Newtown. Much of the district
is rural with large parts in agriculture, mainly cattle and sheep.
Areas around Rowarth and Ollersett Moor are within the Peak District
National Park with excellent footpath links and some open access
land. Its rural hinterland and gateway to the Peak District, and
proximity to the Manchester conurbation makes New Mills a popular
place for walkers. The town is particularly well connected by rail
to Manchester, Stockport and Sheffield.
Considerable industrial activity still takes place in the New Mills
area, with companies involved in confectionery, engineering, quarrying,
haulage and design and ICT development.
New Mills was designated High Peak’s first Fairtrade town
in 2006. The town centre has a wide range of independent specialist
shops, indoor and outdoor markets, banks and building societies
and professional services. Free short stay car parking is available
for shopping trips. Bus and rail services link the town centre with
outlying areas and surrounding villages.
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