Wednesday 5 July 2023 - Didsbury and the Mersey Valley with SWOG

Despite some determined threats, the rain held off for this gentle evening stroll close to home with over 20 members of SWOG (Stockport Walking and Outdoor Group).

We took a convoluted 7 km route from The Didsbury (a pub in Didsbury). Setting off at 7:30 and finishing at 9:00 on a gloomy but warm evening, we followed pleasant paths led by Didsbury residents, Harvey and Helen.

We started through the gardens in Fletcher Moss Park (below), on a path that led to the River Mersey's embankment (above).

After crossing the river, we passed newish housing in Northenden.

The Mersey here flows over a weir in an area where there used to be stepping stones. Life here must have been very different then, without the embankments to contain the river. Tonight a number of Canada Geese were feeding in the river on the weir, which must have been providing some tasty morsels.

Work seems to have stopped on the project to turn what used to be the Tatton Arms into apartments, etc. Perhaps the developer ran out of money?

From there, we re-crossed the river and returned along the embankment and through Millgate Fields.

A very pleasant stroll over familiar ground. Thanks to Harvey and Helen for leading. Here's the flattish 7 km route.