Vernon Park - Saturday 13th July 2019

Vernon Park - The Lily Pond

Our original intention to do a round trip along the River Goyt from Vernon Park in Stockport was thwarted by a land slip that closed part of our path. Luckily we had reconnoitred the walk during the week and decided on a different route.

Our small group set out from the Vernon Park car park and aimed to reach the Goyt beyond the land slip by heading through Vernon to the adjacent Woodbank Memorial Park. The River Goyt joins the River Tame at Stockport to form the River Mersey.

Vernon Park was known as Pinch Belly Park in the 1860’s because of the hungry, unemployed mill workers who were employed to work in the park. Although previously neglected, a grant of £1.6m was awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2000 which has supported the wonderful restoration work. Look out especially for the drinking fountain, the lily pond and the bandstand.

We found a downhill path just beyond the museum and café in the park. It is worth noting that the 100 plus steps that go down from near the museum should not currently be used as there is a fallen tree blocking the way close to the top.

We continued our walk alongside the Goyt heading for, but not reaching, the bridge that is a couple of miles further on. Instead we headed uphill from the weir to reach the far end of Woodbank and returned to Vernon Park, using part of the Fred Perry Way, named after the 1930’s tennis champion. Fred was born in May 1909 in Portwood, Stockport which is near to Vernon Park.

The very pleasant walk ended with lunch at the Midway Pub a short drive from the park.

https://www.themidway.co.uk/

Ramblers - Selfie!

Admiring the gardens

Drinking Fountain Vernon Park

Weir on River Goyt

Carved memorial

Blocked path

Cannon Vernon Park

Ornamental Urn Vernon Park

Ornamental Bridge Vernon Park

Wood Carving

The Midway for lunch

The Midway

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