Produced in 2011 – Use at your own risk - Safety at all times
The Mersey is formed from three tributaries: the River Etherow, the River Goyt, and the River Tame. The modern accepted start of the Mersey is at the confluence of the Tame and Goyt, in central Stockport, Greater Manchester. However, older definitions, and many older maps, place its start a few miles up the Goyt; for example the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica states "It is formed by the junction of the Goyt and the Etherow a short distance belowMarple in Cheshire on the firstnamed stream." The 1784 John Stockdale map shows the River Mersey extending to Mottram, and forming the boundary between Cheshire and Derbyshire.[1]
Background: The River Mersey must me one of the world’s best known rivers. Shipping, the City of Liverpool and of course, the music. For me, an ambition completed. Having lived and worked in the past in Liverpool & Birkenhead and used the ferries on a sometimes daily basis, it was a must to paddle in later life. You may be surprised with the notes on the introduction, top right, at around 70mls (112km) long, my trail is accessed in Northenden, near Manchester airport.
The Mersey Canoe Trail No.5 (not to be confused with the ‘official’ Stockport version, is situated at the end of Mill Lane Northenden Manchester M22 4HJ. There is good parking, grass and even a small playground for youngsters if you need a paddling break. When I was there, so to was a canoe club, with learners and paddlers, a popular spot. A combination of moving water below the weir, see photo, and flat calm river water, similar to a canal. You can paddle upstream for a urban, under motorway environment. Or paddle downstream to the valley and towards Sale. Put-In is excellent with grassy banks or steps below the footbridge. A popular stretch for paddlers, walkers and cyclists. Caution: water flow after heavy rain varies.
Links: http://www.canoe-trails.co.uk/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Mersey
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