Funded by the UK Government, work is underway during October 2025 to March 2026 to develop the Mersey Valley Way walking route.  The Mersey Valley Way runs 21km from the start of the River Mersey in Stockport town centre and follows the river through Heaton Mersey into south Manchester and Trafford, finishing at Ashton-on-Mersey. The route can be walked in either direction and is a mostly flat walk with few inclines.

As well as the full 21km route, there are numerous shorter walks available along the route plus circular loop walks in and around the river valley.   The route is well-served by public transport and the bridleway sections are easily accessible for cyclists and horse-riders, mainly following the Trans Pennine Trail.

We are also working with Paddle UK to refresh the River Mersey Paddle Trail from Heaton Mersey to Carrington.  Access agreements are already in place for paddlers to use the River Mersey along this route and more details including portage locations and the Paddle Trail map will be developed for Spring 2026.   Several organisations along the river already provide paddle instruction,  canoe and kayak hire and guided trips down the river.