Mersey Valley Way River trail

The Mersey Valley Way is a 21km riverside walking route following the River Mersey through Stockport, Manchester and Trafford. It is England’s first National River Walk, part of a new programme to create similar long-distance routes across the country.

Starting in Stockport town centre, the route follows the river west through the Mersey Valley, connecting communities to green spaces, parks and nature reserves all the way to Ashton-on-Mersey in Trafford.

Designed to be accessible and welcoming, the Mersey Valley Way is suitable for walking, wheeling and cycling, with improved paths, signage and seating along the route.

The Route

The Mersey Valley Way begins at the start of the River Mersey in Stockport town centre, where the River Goyt and River Tame meet. From here, the route follows the north bank of the River Mersey through a mix of urban and green landscapes.

Explore the route on the Mersey River Trust website.

Key sections include

  • Stockport town centre to Heaton Mersey
    The route starts by the M60 bridge by Knightsbride (Merseyway Shopping Centre) and heads through the town centre passing by Stockport Interchange before joining the riverside bridleway on the Trans Pennine Trail.

  • Heaton Mersey to Didsbury
    A greener stretch with access to open spaces and connections to the Trans Pennine Trail. There is a nature trail to follow with brass rubbings and braille signs.

  • Didsbury to Chorlton and Stretford
    The route passes popular destinations including Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Chorlton Water Park and Chorlton Ees.

  • Stretford to Ashton-on-Mersey (Trafford)
    The final section continues alongside the river through wetlands and parkland, ending at Ashton-on-Mersey.
    The full route is mostly flat and follows existing public footpaths and bridleways, much of it overlapping with the Trans Pennine Trail.

You can walk the full 21km route or enjoy shorter sections and circular walks along the way, with multiple access points and good public transport links. Find self-guided walks along the route.

What to expect

Along the Mersey Valley Way you’ll find a mix of nature, heritage and new features designed to help people connect with the river:

  • interpretation boards sharing the story of the River Mersey
  • wildlife features such as bat boxes, insect habitats and bird nesting areas
  • improved seating and accessible rest points
  • enhanced paths and clear wayfinding signage
  • environmental improvements along the route are helping to restore habitats and support biodiversity, making the river valley a better place for both people and wildlife

A route for everyone

The Mersey Valley Way has been designed to be inclusive and easy to access, with sections suitable for:

  • walkers of all abilities
  • wheelchair users and mobility scooters
  • families with pushchairs
  • cyclists and, in some areas, horse riders

It is well connected by public transport and forms part of a wider network of trails and river routes, including the Trans Pennine Trail and the Mersey Paddle Trail.