New ‘National River Walk’ to link Stockport and Manchester

The government has announced a new 21-kilometre river walk that will run from Stockport to Manchester.

The first-of-its-kind route, named the Mersey Valley Way, is part of the government’s manifesto pledge to create nine new walks for each region in England.

Boses say that the Mersey Valley Way will offer a boost for local businesses by increasing visitor footfall, complementing wider regeneration work in the area as part of a plan for national renewal.

New signage along the route will mark out the Mersey Valley Way as a National River Walk. A competition to design the new logo for more than 50 local schools and youth groups along the Mersey has been launched, with a winner to be announced in February.

Access Minister Baroness Hayman visited Stockport in December to meet Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, ahead of the route being announced.

Baroness Hayman said: “Nature is a huge source of pride and enjoyment for people across the country, but too many people struggle to find ways to access the outdoors.

“We are changing that today, delivering on our manifesto pledge by launching the first of nine new national river walks, boosting opportunities to be in nature and supporting local businesses that line the routes.

“The Mersey Valley Way offers 21 kilometres of new paths for people in Manchester and Stockport to explore, be outdoors, and enjoy the nature on their doorstep.”

Cllr Baynham said: “The announcement of the Mersey Valley Way as the first National River Walk is fantastic news for Stockport and the wider region. This project will open up new opportunities for our residents to enjoy nature, improve their health and wellbeing, and support local businesses along this already incredibly popular route.

“We’re proud to be working with partners locally and nationally to make our green spaces more accessible and inclusive, ensuring everyone – regardless of age or background – can benefit from the outdoors.”

John Sanders, Strategy and Development Director at Mersey Rivers Trust, said: “Mersey Rivers Trust and its delivery partners are very excited that the River Mersey has been selected as the first national River Walk.

“Over 3 million people live within a 1-hour journey of the Mersey Valley Way, which is accessible by the Greater Manchester public transport Bee Network as well as walk, wheel and cycle routes. Designating 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.”

The Mersey Valley Way will have National River Walk status, which brings community engagement benefits, such as guided walks and opportunities to volunteer on nature recovery work along the route with pond restoration, invasive species removal, tree planting and installation of bird, bat and insect boxes, all planned.

Stretches of the existing river path will also be upgraded to meet accessibility standards for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, cyclists and horse-riders.

Featured image credit: Mersey Rivers Trust