Moving to Manchester area (Peaks side). Where to live?

[EmilySomerset]

Guidance needed! We are looking to move within an hour's commute of Manchester city centre, staying on the Peak's side (I have family in Sheffield). We want good connectivity, but a rural feel/outdoorsy lifestyle. I've seen Marple Bridge and Bollington recommended, but can anyone advise on other places we should be looking at? Need a big enough community to have childcare in walking distance (11month old) and good schools. We are looking for somewhere friendly, where there will be a chance of building a good network of friends. Thanks!!!!

Both are lovely.

Glossop worth a look - cheaper!

Glossop has some nice areas (Old Glossop, Simmondley, Charlsworth, and Panfield are the only areas I'd consider) but the traffic is eying rediculous.. Personally I couldn't cope with the traffic, it's all day, every day, there's never a good time to get in or out. And I must warn you as lovely as it looks on the outside, nobody leaves Glossop, it's very cliquey,everyone went to school together, their mums went to school together and now their kids go to school together.
I'd look more on the Stockport route, Marple is lovely and lots going on, a High street too, if that is important to you. My cousin moved there and had no trouble building a friendship circle. Disley is also nice but maybe a tad to far for you if you're considering rush hour traffic.