A new designated river walk along the River Mersey from Stockport to Manchester has been announced.

The route will make use of 21km of existing pathway, four kilometres of which will be upgraded to provide better accessibility for walkers, wheelchair users, prams, cyclists, and horse-riders.

It will start from a riverside bridleway in Stockport town centre, with a set of new signposts planned to guide walkers along the way.

The upgrades and signage are expected to be in place by Spring 2026.

Dubbed 'The Mersey Valley Way', the route is one of nine new river walks being devised by the government.

The aim is to improve access to the outdoors and to encourage more people to walk regularly.

The Mersey Valley Way route was announced in Deceber 2025 (Image - Stockport Council)

"Evidence shows that people from lower income groups are less likely to access the benefits of spending time in nature", explained Anna Glayzer, a senior advisor at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

"Stockport has areas of severe deprivation. It's estimated over 36,000 people are living in poverty.  

"We also know that people are more likely to visit green and blue spaces close to where they live. By improving paths and adding features like lighting and signage, we're making it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. 

It is also hoped that the Mersey Valley Way will boost footfall around Stockport, bringing walkers from Chorlton, Didsbury, Wythenshawe and more to Manchester.

The whole route will be fully accessible for walking and wheeling.

The government's Access Minister Baroness Hayman visited Stockport in December to meet Cllr Grace Baynham, Stockport Council cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, ahead of the route being announced.

"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", Baroness Hayman said.

"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 route aims to 'complement' new developments around Stockport town centre, such as Weir Mill (Image - Nub News)

Cllr Baynham similarly said the new route was 'fantastic news' for Stockport and beyond.

"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", Cllr Baynham said.

"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, also 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."

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