First National River Walk set for Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is getting England’s first National River Walk: the 21 kilometre Mersey Valley Way from Stockport through Manchester to Trafford, announced by the UK government on 27 December 2025. The route is the length of a half marathon and is the first of nine planned across England.

National status means clearer waymarking and a coordinated programme of improvements. Stretches of the riverside path will be upgraded to improve step‑free access for wheelchair users and people with prams, with provision for cyclists and horse‑riders. Expect guided walks and volunteering on pond restoration, tree planting and wildlife habitats along the way.

Who can reach it matters. Mersey Rivers Trust says more than three million people live within an hour of the route, which you can get to via the Bee Network as well as walking, wheeling and cycling. Ministers also point to around 30,000 low‑income households in Stockport and note that people on lower incomes typically spend less time in nature.

There’s a wider public‑health story here. The Office for National Statistics estimates that 1.1 million fewer people gained health benefits from time in nature in 2022 than in 2020, as visits drifted back to pre‑pandemic levels. Projects that lower the cost and effort of getting outside can help close that gap.

Health educators will spot the opportunity. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week; brisk riverside walking counts and supports both physical and mental health, including lowering the risk of long‑term conditions.

Is it really new? Ministers describe “21 kilometres of new paths”, but independent reporting says the Mersey Valley Way mainly connects existing sections with upgrades and national branding rather than building an entirely fresh footpath. This is a good moment to compare claims and ask what “new” should mean.

There’s a classroom angle too. More than 50 local schools and youth groups along the Mersey have been invited to design the National River Walk logo, with a winner due in February 2026. It’s a ready‑made brief on identity, place and public space for art, design or PSHE.

Practical use starts local. You can pick up the route near where you live-Stockport, Manchester or Trafford-and try a one‑hour section before tackling more. Upgrades aim to make more of the path step‑free, and Bee Network buses and trams help you hop on and off without a car.

Zooming out, the river walks sit alongside at least £17 million this year to make access more inclusive in England’s forests, plus two new National Forests with a third to follow next year. The next river walks will be chosen through a competition that opens in 2026.

Debate will continue. Groups such as the Open Spaces Society and Right to Roam supporters argue that nine routes are not enough and that negotiating access along riverbanks is complex. Use this as a case study: who benefits, who decides, and what good access should look like where you live.