Didsbury Village to West Didsbury - River Mersey Part Two

Leader: Jim M
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.7km / 6.0mi
Ascent: 24.4m / 80ft
Type: linear

This is the second in a series of easy Sunday Social walks along the Mersey Valley, designed to be accessible by bus and Metrolink.
Starting at Didsbury Village, we will walk down through Didsbury Park and Fletcher Moss Gardens to the River Mersey. We will follow the meanderings of the River Mersey past Simon’s Bridge, Didsbury, Withington and Northenden Golf Courses, Northenden Weir. We will pop in and see how nature has reclaimed the Hollies recreation ground, used as recently as 1999. We will then go back to the West Didsbury Metrolink stop via Marie Louise Gardens.
Those who wish can come along for refreshments/social drinks in West Didsbury (The Albert Club).

Meet Point: At Didsbury Village Metrolink Stop

Transport to Walk Start: There are trams every 15 minutes on a Sunday from Manchester City Centre. The 42/142 runs frequently along Wilmslow Road from the City Centre, and the 23 every half hour from Urmston/Stretford/Chorlton or Stockport.

Suggested Ticket: There are too many options to be able to recommend the best, it all depends on where you are coming from.

Walk Start: At Didsbury Village Metrolink Stop at 11:35

Waypoints: Didsbury Park, Fletcher Moss Gardens, The Poplars, Simon’s Bridge, Northenden Weir, The Old Hollies Recreation Ground, Stanton Avenue, Marie Louise Gardens, (The Albert Club), West Didsbury Metrolink Stop

Return Services: Metrolink from West Didsbury (every 15 minutes), the 143/43/41 (every 10 minutes or less) to Manchester City Centre. The 23 bus (every 30 minutes) to Chorlton/Stretford/Urmston, or the 23//42 to Stockport.
It is a short walk (0.7 miles) back to Didsbury Village for those that might have left vehicles there.

Extra: There are no toilets at Didsbury Village Metrolink Stop. The toilets at Fletcher Moss gardens may be open! Optional drinks at the end of the walk (The Albert Club). Please do not bring your dog (apart from assistance dogs).