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Mersey River Walk: First of Nine National Paths Unveiled
26 Dec
Summary
- Mersey Valley Way offers 13 miles of new river path between Stockport and Manchester.
- It is the first of nine national river walks promised by the government nationwide.
- Plans include community engagement like tree planting and restoring ponds.
A new 13-mile river walk, the Mersey Valley Way, has been established along the River Mersey between Stockport and Manchester. This is the inaugural pathway of nine such national routes planned across England, fulfilling a government manifesto pledge. The initiative seeks to enhance public access to nature and stimulate local economies by attracting more visitors.
The Mersey Valley Way will feature upgraded paths, improving accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, cyclists, and horse riders. The project also emphasizes community involvement through activities like guided walks, tree planting, invasive species removal, and pond restoration, alongside installing wildlife habitats.
While this marks the first of the promised national river walks, campaigners are advocating for broader legislation to ensure public access to waterways and the countryside. Future national river walks will be selected through a competitive bidding process scheduled to commence in 2026.
