Walkers who enjoy exploring Greater Manchester on foot are set to benefit from two major new projects: CyanLines, and the Mersey Valley Way.

CyanLines – an ambitious green infrastructure project which aims to reshape Manchester city centre over the next decade – is set to feature a network of over 100 miles of interlinked parks, waterways, viaducts, public squares and traffic-free paths.

The initiative, which is being backed by Manchester City Council and a host of private and public sector partners, is designed to connect the city’s best-known green and blue spaces with hidden pockets of nature. CyanLines will also focus on the creation of new walking and wheeling routes, supporting biodiversity, and promoting community activities.

Commenting on the civic vision for CyanLines, Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is on a mission to make our city greener, investing in new parks and green spaces, including the likes of Mayfield, Ancoats Green and the Castlefield Viaduct, in addition to our work to celebrate and open up our rivers and canals.

“CyanLines is a bold new initiative over the next decade to imagine and create over 100 miles of connected parks, green spaces and waterfronts. I urge residents, business owners, community groups and leaders to join us on this very exciting journey to truly transform our city.”

Meanwhile, plans have also been revealed for a new national river walk between Stockport and Manchester.

Called the Mersey Valley Way, the 13-mile trail – which will run alongside the River Mersey through Stockport, Manchester and Trafford – will pass through several popular green locations including Parkway Playing Fields, Kenworthy Woods, Hardy Farm, and Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens.

While not featuring any new paths, the existing river path will be upgraded to improve accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, cyclists and horse-riders. Once complete, the Mersey Valley Way will also be used to promote the health and wellbeing benefits of walking in the natural environment to residents and visitors.

John Sanders, strategy and development director at Mersey Rivers Trust, which will lead on delivering the project, said: “Over three million people live within a one-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.”

Featuring prominent signage and information along the route, the project – which is part of the government’s manifesto pledge to create nine river walks, one for each region of England – will also be used to facilitate volunteering opportunities such as nature recovery programmes and river clean-up sessions.

Richard Hawksworth, chair of the GM Ringway Association, said: “The GM Ringway has been a trailblazer for accessible walking in and around Greater Manchester, so it’s fantastic to see other projects like these being developed which will complement the 200-mile GM Ringway route. It’s also encouraging that both CyanLines and the Mersey Valley Way are set to promote the incredible health, environmental and community benefits which can be unlocked by engaging with nature, something which everyone at the GM Ringway Association is equally passionate about.”

You can find out more about CyanLines here, and more about the Mersey Valley Way here.