The government has announced the creation of England’s first National River Walk, a 21-kilometre route following the River Mersey from Stockport through

Manchester to Trafford.

Known as the Mersey Valley Way, the route is the first of nine planned National River Walks—one in each English region—promised in the government’s manifesto. Stretching the length of a half marathon, the walk is intended to improve access to green space while supporting regeneration and local businesses along the river corridor.

Ministers say the new walk will encourage more people to spend time outdoors, particularly during the festive period when walking rates traditionally increase. Improved access to nature is expected to bring health and wellbeing benefits to communities across Greater Manchester and the wider north-west.

The route will be clearly marked with new signage and branded as a National River Walk. A competition has also been launched for more than 50 local schools and youth groups to design a logo for the Mersey Valley Way, with a winning entry due to be announced in February.

The announcement forms part of a broader programme to widen access to nature, including at least £17 million this year to make forests more inclusive, alongside plans for two new National Forests and a third to be announced next year.

Access Minister 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.” 

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”. 

National River Walk status will also bring community benefits, including guided walks and volunteering opportunities focused on nature recovery. Planned activities along the route include pond restoration, tree planting, removal of invasive species and the installation of bird, bat and insect boxes.

Sections of the existing riverside path will be upgraded to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, people with mobility scooters, prams, cyclists and horse riders. The project will be developed in consultation with local communities and businesses to ensure it delivers economic as well as social benefits.

Officials say the walk could be particularly valuable for lower-income households, who on average spend less time in nature. With around 30,000 low-income households in Stockport alone, the Mersey Valley Way is intended to help those least likely to access green space.

The project supports the government’s revised Environmental Improvement Plan, which sets out ambitions to restore nature, tackle the climate crisis, improve public health and support sustainable growth as part of its wider Plan for Change.