Residents across Stockport and Greater Manchester are set to enjoy improved access to the outdoors following the announcement of a brand-new long-distance riverside route called the Mersey Valley Way.
Stretching for approximately 21 kilometres along the River Mersey, the new route will run from Stockport towards Manchester and has been officially designated as the first National River Walk in England. The project forms part of a national commitment to create nine new river walks, one in each English region, making nature easier to access for millions of people.
The route follows existing riverside paths but will benefit from upgrades, clearer signage and improved accessibility. Once complete, the Mersey Valley Way will be clearly marked with new wayfinding signs and branding so walkers, cyclists and families can easily follow the trail.
For local residents, the new walk offers an opportunity to enjoy green spaces close to home, supporting physical activity, mental wellbeing and time outdoors without the need for long travel. Many communities along the route already use sections of the river paths for walking, dog-walking and cycling, but the national status brings fresh investment and long-term improvements.
The project is also expected to deliver a welcome boost to local businesses. Increased footfall along the route should benefit cafés, pubs, independent shops and visitor attractions near the river, helping strengthen the local economy while encouraging sustainable tourism.
Community involvement is central to the scheme. More than 50 local schools and youth groups have been invited to take part in a competition to design the official Mersey Valley Way logo, with a winning design due to be announced in February. Organisers hope this will help young people feel a sense of ownership and pride in the route.
The River Walk will also support environmental improvements, including habitat restoration, tree planting and opportunities for volunteering. Plans include pond restoration, invasive species management and the installation of bird, bat and insect boxes to encourage biodiversity along the river corridor.
Importantly, parts of the route will be upgraded to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, mobility scooters, pushchairs, cyclists and even horse riders where appropriate. Public transport links via Greater Manchester’s Bee Network will also make the walk easier to reach for people without a car.
Local leaders have welcomed the announcement, highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits for residents, particularly for people who may not regularly access green spaces. With tens of thousands of lower-income households across Stockport, improving free access to nature is seen as an important step towards reducing health inequalities.
The Mersey Valley Way forms part of a wider national effort to improve public access to nature, alongside new forest projects and funding to make outdoor spaces more inclusive.
Further updates on signage installation, route upgrades and community activities are expected over the coming months.
