Mersey Vale Nature Park, located slap-bang in the centre of Heaton Mersey provides a fantastic leisurely walk, hike or jog, and there’s an abundance of wildlife too that you can enjoy along the way.
A Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Biological Importance, Mersey Vale is located sandwiched between the south of Didsbury Road and the M60.
It’s at this juncture that the mighty Mersey River winds its way through the landscape, providing a stunning habitat all along its banks.
There’s an abundance of walks and paths in the area, and the very helpful Heaton Mersey Conservation Group have created a map which outlines all of these in detail.
From a traditional orchard to ponds with dipping platforms, through wildflower meadows, there’s everything you’d ever want for a lovely scenic walk, and there’s even a couple of picnic areas should you want to stop off with some butties and a few cans.
There are plenty of start points for your walk, but one of the easiest is from Burnage Rugby Club where parking is available. Also in the area, just off the street called ‘Green Pastures’ is pleasant 1km walk down the old railway line – making this walk easily accessible from the East Didsbury Tram Stop.
In post-pandemic times there’s plenty of boozers in the Heaton Mersey itself in which you can stop off for a swift one and maybe a Scotch Egg or two. There’s the Dog & Partridge, The Heaton with its huge beer garden and Robinson’s Brewery favourite The Crown.
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Weekend Walks: Mersey Vale Nature Park
Starting point: Burnage Rugby Club
Distance: 3.9km loop
Time: 2 Hours
Elevation: 49 metres
