Didsto two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

It was pleasant to discover this route and walk it again. Much of the walk is along the north bank of the Mersey. Although most of the path is away from roads, nearly all of the route is paved, apart from a section alongside the Metro line - Didsbury to East Didsbury - of firm compacted aggregate. Two thirds of the route is lit: actually, when I walked it all of it was lit - by the sun. There are no steps. The signposting is excellent: the route follows part of the Sustrans Route 62 and the Trans-Pennine Trail, so the signposting for these trails can be used.
Unfortunately it seems this route would be unsuitable for mobility vehicles. The steepest gradient that I surveyed was a 15m section which measured 1:5.3 (over 10 degrees) and every mobility scooter that I checked specifies a maximum safe slope of less. In addition there are two A-frame access barriers near Riverview (Heaton Mersey).
The route nearest to Stockport Railway Station may be affected as the Stockport Interchange project progresses: planned completion was Spring 2024.

Excellent route along the river and then the tram lines. Can be dark at night, but very nice during the day with lots of nature to see. You can navigate the whole route with a pram, and it is a great cycle route.

It may be worth starting at Didsbury Village Clock (across the road from the library) if you wanted to be complete - & visit the village itself!
A pleasant largely off-road route following the path of the River Mersey following a shared use path along (signposted) national cycle route (NCN) 62/Trans Pennine Trail. Initial path follows the old railway line (now tram line) then drops down to follow the River Mersey into Stockport.
From the village tram stop head south east along Olive Shapley Avenue then left over the crossing where the path becomes shared use (cycle/footpath) and compacted stone surface. Follow this route to the end of the tramline (East Didsbury) then onwards along what was the old railway line under the road. At the metal 'national cycle network 62' sculpture turn right slightly along the side of an estate and then down through the woods to the River Mersey to continue left along the river and still NCN62. At this point the path is a tarmac surface.
Eventually the path routes under the M60 motorway & shortly the outskirts of Stockport town centre, remaining on NCN62. Under the large roundabout & past another metal Trans Pennine sculpture. Walk between the Acorn Business park & the sheer motorway wall until reaching a roundabout on the outskirts of town, with the Crown Inn Pub opposite, facing the impressive Stockport Railway Viaduct (1840).
Cross the A560 at the pedestrian crossing & head right to cross the River Mersey on the King Street West Bridge & still on NCN62; take a left up Chestergate, right up Viaduct Street, left up Daw Bank, right up Exchange Street past the Garrick Theatre to turn right at the traffic lights opposite Stockport Central Library; along Wellington Street South (A6) & then right at the next lights along Station Road to reach the train station.

Route accurate, I would walk it again & recommend it to others as a safe path. All parts appeared to have non-step access. Care needed in winter at times of potential floodrisk.

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