The Mersey Valley Way has been officially opened today (21 May) by the government's Access Minister, Baroness Hayman. Located in Greater Manchester, this is England’s first new National River Walk.
- The 21-kilometre ‘Mersey Valley Way’ runs from the start of the River Mersey in Stockport. It follows the Mersey through south Manchester and into Trafford, ending at Ashton-on-Mersey
- The Mersey Valley Way has been developed with Government funding by a partnership between environmental charities and local authorities
- The walk is first of nine to be created as part of the Government’s national river walks programme.
As the summer fast approaches, the Mersey Valley Way will support better access to the outdoors and nature for the people of Greater Manchester.
The Mersey Valley Way will also provide a boost for local businesses by increasing visitor footfall.
The Mersey Valley Way stretches 21 kilometres, or the distance of a half marathon. It runs right alongside the River Mersey for most of the route, with numerous shorter walks available and circular walking routes in around it.
Access improvements, new wayfinding signs, interpretation boards and a nature trail have been installed along the route. Environmental enhancement work has also taken place along the river valley as part of wider actions to restore nature along the Mersey.
Over 80 local young people aged 6 to 13 took part in a competition to design the logo for the Mersey Valley Way, with the winning logos judged by the Access Minister, Baroness Hayman. The top 6 logos were used to inspire the Mersey Valley Way logos shown below:
Logos designed by Manchester-based creative, Dale Fitton: www.madebydale.co.uk
Access Minister Baroness Hayman said:
“The Mersey Valley Way marks a major milestone in delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to create nine new river walks across England to ensure everyone, regardless of background, can benefit from access to nature.
“Thousands of people in the North West now have 21 kilometres of new paths to explore and enjoy the nature on their doorstep. The upgraded routes will support a healthier community, stronger local connections and support local businesses that line the routes.”
John Sanders, Development Director at Mersey Rivers Trust commented:
“Mersey Rivers Trust and its delivery partners are very excited that the Mersey Valley Way has been designated as England’s first national River Walk.
Over 3 million people live within a 1 hour journey of the Mersey Valley Way, which is fully accessible by public transport. The Mersey Valley Way will encourage more people to access nature as well as enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by the river”.
Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services for Stockport Council, said:
“The opening of the Mersey Valley Way is a fantastic milestone for Stockport and Greater Manchester. This riverside route not only makes it easier for people to walk, wheel and spend time outdoors, but also connects our communities with nature right on their doorstep.
“We’re proud to have worked with partners to deliver improvements along the route, from better access and signage to enhancements that support the environment. Schemes like this encourage healthier, more active lifestyles, support local businesses and help people enjoy all that the River Mersey and our borough has to offer.”
The Mersey Valley Way has been delivered by a consortium of local partners who work closely together as members of the Upper Mersey Catchment Partnership: 
In parallel, the Mersey Paddle Trail has been refreshed in partnership with Paddle UK. This free access paddle trail runs from Heaton Mersey in Stockport to Carrington in Trafford. It is suitable for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Several shorter paddle routes are also available with river bank access points. The Mersey Paddle Trail guide is available on the Paddle UK website here:
River_Mersey_Paddle_Guide_v3.pdf
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